# An ERC grant at Ghent University
**Source**: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding/eu-int/erc-ugent.htm
**Parent**: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding
## Are you a dedicated and creative researcher with a highly innovative research idea?
- Ghent University invites you work in a first-class research environment in the vibrant city of Ghent.
- Ghent University actively promotes its participation in the ERC-programme. The university offers a ten-year appointment, potentially to be extended, to both young and established researchers who successfully obtained an ERC Grant.
- Find a suitable research group to join in our [Research Explorer](https://research.ugent.be/web/home/en).
- [Check out the support from the EU team and how you can obtain a formal approval to apply](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding/eu-int/supporttrack-erc.htm).
- [Find out what Ghent University can offer you as academic staff](https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/overview.htm)
## Funding and grants
ERC provides funding for the implementation of ground-breaking research for a period of 5 years.
This programme, managed by the European Research Council (ERC) provides a distinctive funding mechanism devoted to scientific excellence for all scientific fields.
The following types of grants are available:
### **ERC Starting Grants**
- up to 1.5 mio euro for 5 years, for researchers with 2-7 years postdoctoral experience\*
- [Website ERC on Starting Grants](https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/starting-grant)
### **ERC Consolidator Grants**
- up to 2 mio euro for 5 years, for researchers with 7-12 years postdoctoral experience\*
- [Website ERC on Consolidator Grants](https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/consolidator-grant)
### **ERC Advanced Grants**
- up to 2.5 mio euro for 5 years, for established senior researchers
- [Website ERC on Advanced Grants](https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/advanced-grant)
### **ERC Synergy Grants**
- up to 10 mio euro for 6 years, for a group of two to maximum four Principal Investigators (PIs)
- [Website ERC on Synergy Grants](https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/synergy-grant)
\*Extensions of the eligibility period are possible based on documented absence for parental leave, long-term illness, military service or clinical training. Check the ERC Work Programme on the ERC website for more details.
## ERC Plus Grants (new!)
ERC Plus is a new funding scheme to support **outstanding principal investigators** with **bold ideas** and a **vision for transformative research that goes beyond the scope of existing ERC programmes**.\
It has been launched by the ERC in 2025, with a first call expected in Work Programme 2026 and a submission deadline of 2 September 2026.
- up to 7 mio euro for 7 years, for established researchers with an outstanding track record
- [Webinar on the new ERC Plus grants](https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/events/webinar-new-erc-plus-grants)
## ERC grants awarded to Ghent University Principal Investigators
Since 2007, Ghent University has hosted [over 200 ERC-projects.](https://research.ugent.be/web/eu-projects/en)
In 2025, we reached the milestone of having hosted **150 ERC grantees**.
## What can Ghent University offer you?
As an applicant
- Full support in administrative and financial issues of your application, including providing a Host Support Letter.
- Support in the proposal writing stage: screening of your CV and project idea, and review of your proposal.
### As a successful ERC-grantee
- A ten-year appointment, potentially to be extended
- A wide range of career development opportunities
- Administrative support by the EU team
Contact: [EU-team@UGent.be](mailto:eu-team@ugent.be)
## More information
- On the [ERC programme](https://erc.europa.eu/)
- On [working at Ghent University](https://www.ugent.be/en/work)
- On [living in Ghent](https://www.ugent.be/en/facilities)