The ERC Consolidator Grant supports excellent researchers who want to strengthen their independence by building or consolidating a research team and advancing a high-impact career in Europe. It is open to researchers of any nationality who are typically 7–12 years post-PhD (eligibility can be extended in specific cases linked to the PhD defence date and allowed extensions). You can apply in any research field—ERC calls are bottom-up, meaning there are no predefined thematic priorities. The key requirement is an excellent proposal and a strong track record showing great promise. Applications are submitted by a single Principal Investigator (PI) through a Host Institution (HI) located in an EU Member State or an associated country. The HI can be your current employer or another eligible organisation, and it must guarantee conditions that allow you to independently lead the project and manage the funding. You don’t need to be employed by the HI at submission, but a mutual commitment is needed if funded. Funding is up to €2 million for 5 years, with additional top-up funding possible for justified major costs (equipment, facilities, fieldwork, start-up/relocation). ERC covers up to 100% direct eligible costs plus 25% indirect costs. Proposals undergo peer review based solely on excellence and, if selected, a mandatory ethics review.