The European Research Council (ERC) has announced that it has awarded €647m to 277 senior researchers. The Advanced Grants will enable innovation for the benefit of both science and society.

Awarded under the ‘excellent science’ pillar of Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme, the grants are awarded to researchers of any nationality based in or willing to relocate to Europe. The projects will be held in 21 European nations with the UK (69), Germany (43) and France (30) topping the lists.

ERC President Jean-Pierre Bourguignon said: “It is inspiring to see both the quality and ambition of the projects submitted by the distinguished researchers to whom these grants have been awarded. The ERC was given the task to support cutting-edge and risky research to allow scientists to push the frontiers of knowledge. I look forward to seeing what breakthroughs and major advances will come out of these projects whose main driver was scientific curiosity.”

European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas added: “Through EU funding, the European Research Council is enabling the best minds in the world to create a better future for us all. These talented researchers are an integral part of what keeps us globally competitive. Their work will lead to new knowledge, it will fuel innovation and it can bring about market-creating innovation − generating employment opportunities and economic growth for Europe. Most importantly, the ideas developed by ERC grantees can lead to better, healthier, more innovative societies, if we engage Europeans in realising their potential.”

The ERC has a budget of €13bn for the years 2014-2020 as part of Horizon 2020. Each grant can receive up to €3.5m as long as the hosting institution is within the European Research Area.

Click here for the list of selected researchers.

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