Apply for funding from the ERC

The European Research Council (ERC) offers researchers the chance to carry out ground-breaking projects with long-term funding – whether you are at the start of your career or already well established. Planning to apply? Support is available throughout the process, from idea to interview. Just keep in mind that there are important steps to complete before you can submit your application.

Develop your application

Competition for ERC funding is fierce. To have the best possible chance, you need a thoroughly prepared application. Contact the Research Support and Collaboration Office early to receive

help getting started with your application;
an introduction to funding rules and requirements;
guidance on the University’s internal processes; and
an overview of available support from Umeå University.

Email rso@umu.se to book an appointment.

Ensure support from your department

Your department must confirm that it can host your ERC project. This is done through a head of department’s certificate, where the head of department confirms that the department can receive and administer the grant if you receive funding.

Download the head of department’s certificate from the documents and templates page for funding and reporting

Plan your budget

The ERC has clear requirements for how to present the budget. To ensure you get it right:

Download the budget template for the ERC from the documents and templates page for funding and reporting.
Develop the budget together with your financial administrator in the department.
Send the budget to rso@umu.se for review.

Arrange a commitment letter

Your application must also include a commitment letter from the host department (HI commitment letter), in which Umeå University confirms its commitment if you are granted funding.

To receive a commitment letter, you need

to submit the signed head of department’s certificate;
have had your budget approved by the financial officer from the Research Support and Collaboration Office; and
email the final project title and acronym to rso@umu.se at least two weeks before the deadline.

Once this is done, the Research Support and Collaboration Office will help you draw up a commitment letter and arrange the Vice-Chancellor’s signature.

Receive feedback and prepare for the interview

As a researcher at Umeå University, you can receive help throughout the application process. The Research Support and Collaboration Office offers

inspiration seminars on different types of ERC calls;
individual feedback on your draft;
help with uploading the application and other practical steps; and
interview practice if you progress to the next round.

Would you like support? Contact rso@umu.se as early in the process as possible.

About the ERC

The European Research Council is part of Horizon Europe and supports individuals who want to conduct their own research. Regardless of the subject area or at what point you are in your career, you formulate your own idea and determine the focus.