The European Research Council has called for stronger efforts to address a growing imbalance in Europe’s research systems
In a newly released white paper, the ERC displays the ongoing gap between top-performing research systems and a group of countries known as “widening countries.”
Widening countries create up roughly a quarter of the EU’s population and often have strong educational traditions and quick-growing economies. Despite this, their researchers secure only a tiny fraction of ERC grants, revealing a significant imbalance in access to high-level research funding.
A gap in research success
According to the report, researchers in widening countries receive only about one-twentieth of ERC grants. Their success rates in ERC competitions typically range from 1 to 7 per cent, compared to an average of around 11 per cent across the programme.
This raises concerns about the long-term strength of Europe’s scientific ecosystem. A divided research landscape risks limiting collaboration, slowing innovation, and weakening Europe’s global competitiveness in science and technology.
The ERC also states that any effort to address the imbalance must not compromise its core principle of awarding funding solely on the basis of scientific excellence. This merit-based approach remains key to the organisation’s global reputation.
Structural barriers holding researchers back
The white paper points to a range of structural challenges that create it harder for researchers in widening countries to compete successfully. These include lower levels of national investment in research and development, less supportive academic environments, and limited access to international research networks.
Many researchers also face practical and psychological barriers when applying for competitive grants. These can include language challenges, a lack of experience in preparing proposals, and reduced confidence in competing at the highest level.
Toreceiveher, these factors create a cycle in which fewer successful applications lead to fewer opportunities to build strong research systems.
Signs of progress and emerging solutions
Despite the challenges, the report highlights encouraging signs of improvement. Over the past decade, several widening countries have strengthened their national research systems and introduced tarreceiveed support programmes.
More than 15 countries now offer initiatives to assist researchers apply for ERC funding. Some provide financial backing for highly ranked proposals that narrowly miss out on EU funding, assisting researchers continue their work and improve future applications.
These programmes are funded through a mix of national budreceives, EU Structural Funds, public-private partnerships, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, displaying a growing commitment to boosting research capacity.
The ERC report also points to the positive ripple effects of successful grants. Researchers who secure ERC funding in widening countries often become hubs of excellence, attracting international talent and raising the profile of their institutions.
At the European level, the ERC has already introduced several initiatives to support participation without lowering standards. These include mentoring programmes, visiting fellowships, and expanded support networks such as National Contact Points and ambassador schemes.
A shared responsibility for alter
The white paper concludes that closing the research gap will require joint action from both national and European levels.
Governments are encouraged to increase investment in research, reform academic systems where necessaryed, and better align national funding with EU programmes.
Meanwhile, the ERC plans to deepen its engagement with widening countries through stronger policy dialogue, improved communication, and expanded support networks.
With the right combination of national reforms and European collaboration, the report suggests that Europe can unlock its full scientific potential and ensure a more balanced and competitive research landscape for the future.
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