Call: Grant for Researchers Exceeding Ambitious Targets (UK)

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The ERCL-GREAT Grants 2026, offered by European Research College London, provide up to £180,000 per year for 4–5 years to outstanding researchers. The programme supports innovative projects in Economics, Business Studies, and Psychological Sciences with strong academic and societal impact. It targets early to mid-career researchers aiming to establish independent research careers in London.

The ERCL-GREAT (Grants for Researchers Exceeding Ambitious Targets) scheme is a prestigious funding programme designed to attract top international researchers to London.

Core Objective

To support investigator-driven, high-impact research while strengthening the academic environment at European Research College London.

Strategic Research Areas

The 2026 call focuses on two priority fields:

1. Economics and Business Studies

• Economic policy and analysis
• Business innovation and management
• Financial systems and global markets

2. Psychological and Learning Sciences

• Cognitive and behavioral research
• Educational psychology
• Learning systems and human development

Key Research Expectations

Projects must demonstrate:

• Excellence and originality
• Strong methodological design
• Clear academic and societal impact

Funding Details

• Funding Amount: Up to £180,000 per year
• Duration: 4–5 years
• Total Potential Funding: Up to £900,000
• Additional Benefits:
  • Access to advanced research facilities
  • Long-term institutional support
  • Integration into London’s academic ecosystem

What Makes ERCL-GREAT Unique?

Long-Term Research Support

Provides sustained funding for ambitious, multi-year projects.

Focus on Research Independence

Encourages researchers to lead their own projects and build independent careers.

High Impact Orientation

Prioritizes research that delivers both:

• Academic contributions
• Real-world societal benefits

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications

• PhD awarded within the last 10 years
• Extensions allowed for:
  • Parental leave
  • Caregiving responsibilities

Research Track Record

• Strong evidence of excellence through:
  • High-quality publications
  • Invited talks
  • International research engagement

Professional Experience

• Experience in:
  • Designing and leading research projects
  • Collaborative or interdisciplinary work

Funding Experience

• Prior involvement in competitive research funding, either:
  • As a lead applicant
  • As part of a research team

Personal Attributes

• Scientific independence
• Research leadership potential
• Methodological rigor

Why This Grant Matters

Advances Scientific Knowledge

• Supports cutting-edge research in key disciplines

Builds Research Careers

• Helps researchers establish independent academic profiles

Encourages Innovation

• Funds ambitious ideas with transformative potential

Strengthens Global Collaboration

• Attracts international talent to London

How the ERCL-GREAT Scheme Works

Step 1: Proposal Development

• Design a research project aligned with ERCL priorities

Step 2: Submission

• Submit a detailed proposal including:
  • Research objectives
  • Methodology
  • Expected outcomes

Step 3: Evaluation

• Applications assessed based on:
  • Scientific excellence
  • Innovation
  • Impact potential

Step 4: Selection

• Top candidates selected for funding

Step 5: Project Implementation

• Researchers begin their projects with ERCL support

How to Apply

Follow these steps for a successful application:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Confirm PhD timeline and research experience

Step 2: Define Your Research Idea

• Ensure alignment with:
  • Economics and Business Studies OR
  • Psychological and Learning Sciences

Step 3: Prepare Proposal Documents

Include:

• Research proposal
• CV and publication list
• Evidence of prior funding experience

Step 4: Highlight Impact

• Clearly demonstrate:
  • Academic contribution
  • Societal relevance

Step 5: Submit Application

• Follow official ERCL submission guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of alignment with ERCL strategic areas
• Weak or unclear research methodology
• Insufficient evidence of independence
• Overly ambitious but unrealistic project scope
• Limited demonstration of societal impact

Pro Tips for Success

• Focus on originality and feasibility
• Show leadership and independence
• Provide a clear implementation plan
• Highlight interdisciplinary potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ERCL-GREAT scheme?

A research funding programme supporting high-impact, investigator-led projects in selected fields.

2. How much funding is available?

Up to £180,000 per year for 4–5 years.

3. Who can apply?

Early to mid-career researchers with a PhD obtained within the last 10 years.

4. What fields are supported?

Economics and Business Studies, and Psychological and Learning Sciences.

5. Is prior funding experience required?

Yes, applicants must have experience with competitive research funding.

6. Can career breaks affect eligibility?

Yes, extensions are allowed for parental or caregiving responsibilities.

7. What type of projects are prioritized?

Innovative, high-quality research with strong academic and societal impact.

Conclusion

The ERCL-GREAT Grants 2026 offer a powerful platform for ambitious researchers to advance their careers and produce impactful research.

For more information, visit ERCL.