# European Research Council grant distribution

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-research-council-grant-distribution
> Updated: 2026-09-03T11:59:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The European Research Council (ERC) has announced its latest round of Starting Grants, distributing 705 million euros among 421 researchers. The ERC reported a record 4,807 applications, representing a 22 percent increase from the previous cycle. Germany led the rankings with 84 winners, followed by Italy with 50.

Individual grant recipients include researchers focusing on diverse fields such as climate risk management, artificial intelligence governance, and the impact of academic disciplines on long-term physical and mental health. The European Commission noted a rise in interest from non-European researchers, including those from the United States, as part of the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative to attract global scientific talent.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: European Research Council awards grants to German researchers

Two researchers in Germany, Robert Gorwa and Marvin Reuter, have received ERC Starting Grants to study AI governance and the impact of academic fields on long-term health inequalities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-research-council-awards-grants-to-german-researchers

### 2026-09-03: European Research Council awards 705 million euros in grants

The ERC has awarded 705 million euros in Starting Grants to 421 researchers, with Italy ranking second in winners. Bocconi University researchers were among those selected to study climate risk management.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-research-council-awards-705-million-euros-in-grants

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Cite as: European Research Council grant distribution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-research-council-grant-distribution