ERC award grants to 325 researchers
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the awarding of its Starting Grants to 325 early-career researchers throughout Europe.
The funding, worth €485m in total and up to €1.5m per grant, will enable them to set up their own research teams and pursue ground-breaking ideas.
The new grantees will work on a wide range of topics, such as improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy in cancer treatment, developing new sustainable ways of producing hydrogen fuel, and exploring citizenship law to better manage migration and uphold human rights.
Carlos Moedas, European commissioner for research, science and innovation, said: “Through the ERC Starting Grants, the EU attracts young research talent and keeps it in Europe. With the EU backing these grantees they will be able to pursue their best ideas, but also create quality jobs for more research staff who wish to work on the frontiers of science.
“Ultimately, they will contribute to creating the most valuable resource Europe has: human capital.”
ERC grants are awarded to researchers of any nationality based in, or willing to move to, Europe. In this year’s competition, researchers of 42 nationalities received the funding.
ERC President Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon said: “With this new round of funding the ERC backs another 325 bright young minds to bring their most ambitious ideas to life. The ERC believes in supporting young talent – indeed, two thirds of its funding goes to early-career researchers contributing to the future of Europe in terms of science and more broadly.”
The grants are awarded under the ‘excellent science’ pillar of Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme.
