The European Research Council (ERC) announced its funding programme for the next five years, which will benefit hundreds of early-career researchers across Europe. In its fourth year, the estimated total budget for the whole programme has increased by nearly 15% from last year and also the applications submitted, a 42%.

The European Research Council (ERC) presented its funding programme for the next five years. The ERC grants will benefit hundreds of early-career researchers across Europe. Now in its fourth year, the estimated total budget for the whole programme has increased by nearly 15% from last year and the competition continues to receive high numbers of applications, 42% increase compared to last year. 

The grants of the European Research Council (ERC), flagship component of the 'Ideas Programme' of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), awarded will fund a wide variety of projects across many research areas. Altogether, 46% of applicants were selected in 'Physical Sciences and Engineering', 35% in 'Life Sciences' and 19% in 'Social Sciences and Humanities'. ERC grants will fund a wide variety of projects across many research areas: from the exceptional properties of biological nanomaterials, through the health impact of exposure to traffic noise, to the role of economic media in financial crises. According to the Commission Report on the European Research Council's operations during 2010, grants are highly coveted in younger researchers who often struggle to find funding.

The researchers selected are a mixed bag, representing 38 different nationalities. Additionally, this year 17 researchers are moving from the United States to Europe with their grant. The selected candidates will be based in universities or research institutions situated in 21 countries throughout Europe.