The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded €761 million (?659 million) to 478 early-career scientists across Europe, in a funding round that highlights both the growing global pull of European science and the competitive challenges facing the UK.

The starting grants, announced on 4 September, will enable young researchers to launch independent projects, build research teams and pursue ideas ranging from cancer therapies and mental health to quantum science and plant resilience.

Germany led the distribution of grants, hosting 99 projects, followed by the UK with 60, the Netherlands with 44 and France with 41.

Grantees represent 51 nationalities, with Germans (87 researchers) and Italians (55) the most numerous, followed by French (33) and both UK and Spanish nationals (32 each).

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The figures underline the UK¡¯s strong performance in securing ERC-funded projects,?but also its dependence on international researchers.

Ekaterina?Zaharieva, the European commissioner for?startups, research and innovation, said the results illustrated Europe¡¯s magnetic appeal for scientific talent: ¡°Among the winners in this new round of EU funding are researchers of 51 nationalities. They will be advancing knowledge across a wide range of scientific fields, including cancer, mental health and quantum science.

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¡°We see leading scientists coming to Europe with these new grants, and many choosing to remain here thanks to this support. This demonstrates Europe¡¯s potential to attract and keep top scientific talent.¡±

ERC president Maria Leptin praised the creativity of applicants but warned that low success rates could hold Europe back: ¡°All these bright minds and the plethora of brilliant ideas that they will go after really inspire me, and so does their scientific creativity. It also gives hope that Europe empowers them and backs them.

¡°Yet, we could do more! Only 12 per cent of all proposals in this competition are being funded, even if many more are excellent. More investment in this type of science is needed for Europe to reach its full potential.¡±

This year¡¯s call attracted 3,928 applications, a 13 per cent increase on 2024, continuing a trend of rising demand.

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The grants are worth up to €1.5 million (?1.5 million) over five years, with the possibility of additional funds for major equipment, relocation from outside Europe or experimental costs.

The ERC estimates that this round will generate about 3,000 jobs in grantees¡¯ teams.

The results come as the UK government launches a ¡°New Horizon¡± campaign to present itself as a partner of choice for global research collaboration.

The initiative will be rolled out in Spain and Germany to highlight opportunities for joint work with UK institutions under Horizon Europe, as well as broader partnerships with British businesses and universities.

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The UK rejoined Horizon Europe in 2023, restoring its eligibility for ERC funding after years of uncertainty over post-Brexit participation.

The ¡°New Horizon¡± campaign aims to promote opportunities for collaboration with UK institutions and attract international researchers.

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The number of women grantees has remained fairly stable, with 42 per cent of starting grants awarded to women in 2025, compared with 44 per cent in 2024 and 43 per cent in 2023.

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com