EC launches search for next ERC President

The European Commission has launched the search for the next President of the European Research Council (ERC), opening nominations for a scientific leader to champion frontier research and represent European science globally.

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. The President will chair the ERC's 22-member Scientific Council, act as a global ambassador for European science and devote at least 80% of their time to ERC work in Brussels.

To lead the selection process, Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva has appointed an independent selection committee, chaired by Pearl Dykstra, Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and former Deputy Chair of the Commission's Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, which will identify three top candidates. Former Commission's Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager is also part of the selection committee.

The Commission is seeking an internationally respected scientist with a strong record of independent thinking, strategic leadership and openness across disciplines. The candidates must be EU nationals, and every EU research organisation may nominate up to three.

The recruitment process and the selected candidate require the approval of the ERC Scientific Council before appointment by the Commission.

For more information:

EC - news