The European Research Council (ERC) has played a relevant role in the rapid adoption and development of CRISPR/Cas gene-editing technology. Recognised with the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its groundbreaking potential, CRISPR/Cas is revolutionising genetic research, with ERC-funded projects leading the way in applying this technology across a variety of scientific fields.
These initiatives have attracted more than 1,300 researchers, with the majority (86%) focusing on fundamental biological research to understand genetic mechanisms and human diseases. The remaining 14% have explored the application of CRISPR/Cas in fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine.
The impact of ERC funding is especially evident in the Life Sciences. By 2022, more than half of ERC-funded projects in this field were using CRISPR/Cas technology. This growth reflects the transformative nature of CRISPR/Cas, not just as a tool for research, but as a technology that holds potential for practical applications. ERC-funded research has contributed significantly to advancements in cancer gene regulation, RNA sequencing, neurodegenerative disease studies, and microbial biotechnology. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas is helping to improve crop sustainability and food security, while in medicine, it is driving innovations in gene therapy and disease diagnosis.
Over 30 ERC-funded CRISPR/Cas projects have led to patents, some of which have resulted in successful spin-off companies. These achievements highlight how research can lead to scientific breakthroughs that have far-reaching societal benefits, ranging from medical treatments to environmental sustainability.
