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.
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.

Starting Grant
Up to EUR 1.5 million for promising young researchers within 2–7 years since completion of doctoral degree.

Consolidator Grant
Up to EUR 2 million for established researchers with 7–12 years of experience since their doctoral degree.

Advanced Grant
Up to EUR 2.5 million for successful principal investigators with over 10 years of experience.

Synergy Grant
Up to EUR 10 million for 2–4 principal investigators working together to tackle ambitious research problems.
Find out more about ERC's grants and current calls (erc.europa.eu)