UK takes the lead on ERC Advanced Grant wins

UK takes the lead on ERC Advanced Grant wins

18 June 2025
New data shows the UK has won by far the largest share of ERC grants, one of the most prestigious and competitive funding schemes in the EU
female engineering researcher

New figures released by the European Research Council (ERC) show the UK has won by far the largest number of ERC Advanced Grants for 2024. 56 out of 281 grants went to UK-based researchers, of which 50 were to academics based at Russell Group universities. The next highest share of grants went to Germany (35) and Italy (25).

The UK's high share of grants demonstrates the continued success of Horizon participation - particularly in Pillar I - and is comparable to previous rates seen in Horizon 2020. The UK performed particularly well in social sciences and humanities compared to other nations.

ERC Advanced Grants by country of host institution
European Research Council (ERC)

 

Commenting on the new figures, Policy Manager Douglas Dowell said:

“This is a stormingly good set of results from UK researchers, showcasing Horizon Europe’s value for our international research collaborations and the R&D contribution we can make to shared priorities with our friends and colleagues across the EU.

“As strategic competition and geopolitical tensions grow, research cooperation with trusted partners with shared values is more important than ever. With the European Commission set to announce proposals for the next research framework programme soon, enabling association on mutually beneficial terms can play a crucial role as the EU and UK consider how to work together across military, economic, climate, health, cyber and energy security.”