Following sharing some preliminary information earlier, the final plan, adopted by the commission is now available. Amongst the changes introduced by the programme, new CV and Track Record structures, with qualitative additions can be found, however the programme reinforces that the sole criteria for grants remains scientific excellence. In addition, advanced grants receive a new funding model, as they will be implemented using a lump sum contribution. The programme also outlines the creation of a new evaluation panel for Social Sciences and Humanities, alongside other slight modifications, and introduces changes different in the evaluation framework of Proof of Concept, Starting, Consolidator and Advanced grants.
According to the calendar, which was published as part of the work programme, one day after the plan’s publication, on 11 July, applications opened for Starting Grants, and on 12 July, the call for the Synergy Grant opened too. They will stay open until 24 October 2023 and 8 November 2023 respectively. The Consolidator Grant call will open on 12 September, and close on 12 December, while the Advanced Grant call will be open between 29 May – 29 August 2024.
A total of approximately 2.1 billion EUR was allocated for grants. The Starting Grant received highest funding, 601 million Euros, which is expected to cover 387 grants. The Consolidator grant’s budget is 584 Million EUR, and the Advanced Grant’s is 578 Million EUR – these should allow 291 and 237 grants, respectively. The Synergy Grant’s 400 Million EUR will be able to cover about 39 grants.
