Deadline: 08-Sep-2026
The EXCELLENCE 26 Research Grant Programme is a Hungarian funding scheme supporting fundamental, discovery-driven research and strengthening participation in European Research Council (ERC) grants. It funds high-quality research projects for up to 48 months, with eligibility limited to experienced ERC applicants who reached advanced evaluation stages. Applications must be submitted jointly with a Hungarian host institution via the NRDI EPR system.
Programme Overview
The EXCELLENCE 26 Research Grant Programme is designed to strengthen high-level scientific research and improve researchers’ success in European Research Council funding competitions.
It supports:
- Fundamental, discovery-driven research across all disciplines
- Researchers aiming to improve future ERC grant applications
- Research teams including scientists, technical staff, and students
- Projects aligned with previously approved research plans
The programme is non-thematic, meaning there are no subject-area restrictions.
Purpose and Strategic Focus
The programme is aligned with strengthening participation in the European Research Council funding ecosystem.
Key objectives include:
- Increasing ERC grant success rates for Hungarian researchers
- Supporting advanced-stage ERC applicants
- Enhancing research excellence and international competitiveness
- Promoting long-term scientific capacity building
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is strict and targeted at experienced researchers.
Applicants must:
- Be a principal investigator (PI)
- Apply jointly with a Hungarian-based host institution
- Have previously submitted an ERC Starting, Consolidator, or Advanced Grant proposal
- Have reached at least the second evaluation stage after 1 July 2025
- Commit to submitting a future ERC application during the project period
Eligible host institutions include:
- Universities
- HUN-REN research institutes
- Budgetary research institutions
- Recognised organisations such as hospitals, museums, and archives
Additional rules:
- One proposal per researcher under this call
- Maximum of two active NKKP projects per researcher
- Subprogramme restrictions may apply
Funding Scope and Budget Structure
The programme is part of a larger national funding framework managed by the NRDI Office.
Overall funding context:
- Total NRDI Fund allocation (2026–2030): HUF 40 billion
- Covers EXCELLENCE 26 and related programmes
Project-level funding:
- Up to HUF 160 million per project
- Duration: up to 48 months
- Projects under 24 months receive proportional funding
- Optional +25% funding for experimental material costs
Eligible cost categories:
- Researcher and staff salaries
- Employer-related taxes
- Tangible research costs
- 15% flat-rate overhead
How It Works / How to Apply
Application Submission Process
- Prepare a research proposal in English
- Align project with a strong prior ERC-stage submission
- Submit jointly with a Hungarian host institution
- Upload application via the NRDI EPR system
- Confirm compliance with eligibility rules
Evaluation Process
- Initial eligibility screening by NRDI Office
- Expert peer review assessment
- Selection based on scientific excellence and ERC relevance
- Funding allocation based on ranking and compliance
Post-Selection Requirements
- Formal funding agreement signing
- Project implementation according to approved plan
- Financial and scientific reporting obligations
- Use of funds strictly within approved categories
Key Features of the Programme
- Supports high-impact fundamental research
- Focuses on ERC pipeline strengthening
- No thematic restrictions
- Encourages international research competitiveness
- Expected to fund around 300 projects
Why It Matters
This programme is important because it:
- Bridges national funding with European-level research competitiveness
- Helps researchers transition into successful ERC applicants
- Strengthens Hungary’s research ecosystem
- Supports long-term scientific innovation capacity
- Provides substantial funding for advanced research projects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without prior ERC evaluation-stage experience
- Missing eligibility requirements for evaluation stage or timing
- Submitting without a Hungarian host institution
- Ignoring ERC future application commitment requirement
- Exceeding project or funding constraints
- Submitting incomplete or non-English applications
- Violating rules on number of active projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EXCELLENCE 26 programme?
It is a Hungarian research funding programme supporting ERC-aligned fundamental research.
Who can apply?
Experienced principal investigators who have reached at least the second stage of ERC evaluation and apply with a Hungarian host institution.
What is the funding limit per project?
Up to HUF 160 million per project, plus optional additional funding for materials.
How long can a project run?
Projects can run for up to 48 months.
Is thematic focus required?
No, the programme supports all fields of fundamental research without restrictions.
What system is used for application submission?
Applications must be submitted via the NRDI EPR system.
How many projects are expected to be funded?
Approximately 300 projects will be supported.
Conclusion
The EXCELLENCE 26 Research Grant Programme is a major funding initiative designed to strengthen high-level fundamental research and improve European Research Council competitiveness. By supporting experienced researchers with substantial funding and structured institutional backing, it plays a key role in advancing scientific excellence and international research integration.
For more information, visit NRDIO.
