24 Jan 2024
ERC publishes statement on next Framework Programme
The European Research Council (ERC) has published a statement on the next Research Framework Programme (FP10). In its statement, the ERC points out the important role the ERC has been playing in providing highly effective support for curiosity-driven frontier research across all fields, based only on scientific excellence and providing a benchmark for excellence in European science. The ERC therefore calls for strengthening the ERC in the next research framework programme.
In view of increasing global competition, the ERC is calling for a modernisation of the long-term EU budget, as well as for doubling the FP budget in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, in order for Europe to maintain its competitive edge in global science and technology. The ERC’s current budget is about €2 billion annually, but for the ERC to meet its full potential, the ERC states, it was estimated in 2003 that it would need a budget corresponding to 5% of Europe's national research agencies, now equivalent to around €5 billion per year.
The ERC also states that its independence and autonomy must be protected under FP10, in order to safeguard its position as Europe's top frontier research funder. With regard to impact, the ERC has so far funded over 13,000 top researchers since its creation. The ERC grantees are of 87 different nationalities and are hosted at over 900 research institutions across the EU and Associated Countries. ERC grantees have won 14 Nobel Prizes, and 6 Fields Medals, amongst other prizes.
More FP10 position papers here: