UK Wins ERC Research Grants

The UK has come out top in the funding race for consolidator grants from the European Research Council (ERC), which has pledged €630 million (£554.79 million) to fund scientific research projects on the continent.

More than 300 researchers from across Europe have been awarded grants from the ERC, with the highest number of grants made available to UK scientists. Projects will be carried out in 22 European countries thanks to the cash boost.

“The funding will encourage these mid-career scientists to explore further the unknown and develop their most daring ideas,” commented president of the ERC Jean-Pierre Bourguignon.

Consolidator grants are given to researchers who have completed their PHDs and have between seven and 12 years’ experience, as well as a promising track record. The UK received 60 grants, Germany was awarded 56 and France received 38.

Projects were chosen from 2,538 submitted entries – in total, 13 per cent received the ERC’s backing.

Of the grants awarded, 32 per cent went to female applicants. Commissioner for research, science and innovation Carlos Moedas said that he was “pleased to see that the share of grants attributed to women researchers is growing in ERC competitions”.

Mr Moedas added that the funding will boost the European Union’s scientific excellence and competitiveness, enhancing its attractiveness as a haven for research and innovation.

The grants will be used to explore a range of life sciences challenges, including how drug-resistant bacteria can be made sensitive to bacteria again, alongside physical sciences, engineering and humanities projects.

Grants have been awarded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Programme – the biggest research and innovation agenda of its kind, which will provide almost €80 billion in funding over the seven years between 2014 and 2010.

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