The European Commission has launched the search for the next President of the European Research Council (ERC), inviting nominations for a scientific leader to champion frontier research and represent European science on the world stage.
Research organisations across the EU are invited to nominate candidates by 23 November 2026. The new President will take office on 1 October 2027, succeeding Professor Maria Leptin for a mandate of four years, renewable once.
To lead the selection process, Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva has appointed an independent search committee chaired by Pearl Dykstra, Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and former Deputy Chair of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors. The committee brings together leading figures from science and public policy, including Margrethe Vestager former Commission Executive Vice-President, Professor Nicole Grobert from the University of Oxford, Professor Fabio Zwirner from the University of University of Padua and Professor Janusz Bujnicki from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, said:
“In Europe, researchers can pursue their boldest ideas. The President of the ERC must be a strong voice for frontier research, scientific independence and Europe’s ability to attract and retain exceptional talent. I encourage research organisations across the EU to nominate candidates with the vision and leadership for this important role.”
A scientific leader with a global voice
The Commission is seeking an internationally renowned and respected scientist with the trust of the scientific community, a strong record of independent thinking and the strategic leadership skills to chair the ERC’s 22-member Scientific Council.
Candidates should combine scientific distinction with openness to all fields of science and scholarship, experience in science policy and the ability to advocate for frontier research within and beyond Europe.
The President will reside in Brussels and devote at least 80% of their time, in principle, to ERC activities. Under current legislation, the term is four years, renewable once.
Nomination criteria
Each EU research organisation may nominate up to three candidates. Scientists interested in the position should ask their research organisation to nominate them. Nominees must be nationals of an EU Member State. No age limit applies.
Nominations must include a statement supporting the candidate, a curriculum vitae and a list of their most relevant publications or other significant works, together with prizes and distinctions. They should be submitted to RTD-ERC-ID
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (RTD-ERC-ID[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu) by 23 November 2026. All applications will be treated as confidential.
The independent search committee will assess nominations and interview shortlisted candidates. The recruitment process and the selected candidate require the approval of the ERC Scientific Council before appointment by the Commission.
Background
The Scientific Council, the governing body of the ERC, defines the ERC’s scientific funding strategy and methodologies. It is composed of 22 members, all eminent scientists and scholars, who represent the scientific community in Europe.
The ERC President chairs the Scientific Council, ensures its leadership and represents it in the world of science.
More information
Press contact:
