Fifty-seven research groups will receive a total of €571 million to address some of the most complex scientific problems, covering a wide range of disciplines. The ERC Synergy Grants foster collaboration between outstanding researchers, enabling them to combine their expertise, knowledge and resources to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. This funding is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
Projects selected for funding
Can we make concrete infrastructure both eco-efficient and durable? What is the nitrogen cycle of our oceans and its impact on the climate? Can digital technology help bring communities together? These are just some examples of issues the new winners in this round of Synergy Grants will explore.
Facts & figures
Applicants submitted 548 proposals in this call. The 57 winning projects involve 201 researchers who will carry out their projects at 184 universities and research centres in 24 countries across Europe and beyond: Germany (with 34 projects), the UK (18), France (13), the US (12), Spain (11) and Netherlands (10) are hosting the highest number of projects. Six projects involve researchers based in Czechia (2 projects), Greece (1), Hungary (1), Poland (1) and Portugal (1) – countries that have so far hosted fewer ERC grants.
Twenty-two of the groups include one researcher based outside Europe: in the US, Switzerland, Australia and – for the first time – the Republic of Korea. The international aspect of this grant scheme helps to open top European research to the best scientific talent globally, creating further synergies.
Nearly 32% of the researchers who are part of the winning projects are women, the highest proportion since the scheme began. This marks a notable increase compared to previous years, with 18.5% in 2023 and 22% in 2022. Additionally, six research teams are composed entirely of female researchers.
See the full list of winners.
Source: European Research Council | News & Events | News (https://shorturl.at/byDUH)