1. What is the ERC Starting Grant?

The ERC Starting Grant is a prestigious research funding scheme by the European Research Council designed to support excellent researchers who are starting their own independent research team or program. The grant supports up to €1.5 million for a period of 5 years.

2. How Does the Eligibility Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ERC eligibility criteria:

Where:

• Years Since PhD — Time elapsed since PhD completion
• Career Breaks — Deductions for eligible career interruptions (maternity/paternity leave, illness, etc.)

Explanation: The ERC allows extensions to the 7-year limit for researchers who have experienced eligible career breaks. Each month of eligible break extends the window by the same duration.

3. Importance of Eligibility Calculation

Details: Determining eligibility is the first critical step in the ERC Starting Grant application process. Applying when ineligible wastes significant time and resources for both applicants and evaluators.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your PhD completion year and current year. If you have had eligible career breaks, include their total duration in years. The calculator will determine if you meet the time-based eligibility criteria.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as an eligible career break?
A: Eligible breaks include maternity/paternity leave, long-term illness, clinical training, national service, and care responsibilities. Documentation is required.

Q2: Is the 7-year limit strict?
A: The limit is generally strict but can be extended month-for-month for documented eligible career breaks.

Q3: When does the 7-year period start?
A: The period starts from the date of successful PhD defense, not the graduation ceremony or degree certificate date.

Q4: Are there exceptions to the eligibility window?
A: In well-documented exceptional circumstances (e.g., long-term illness), the ERC may consider extensions beyond the standard adjustments.

Q5: Does this calculator guarantee eligibility?
A: This calculator only checks the time-based criteria. Other eligibility requirements (research track record, host institution, etc.) must also be met.