CCMAR invites researchers to submit applications for ERC grants

Are you a scientific researcher with an innovative concept or a disruptive idea? We cordially invite you to submit an expression of interest in joining CCMAR as your Host Institution to apply for a grant from the European Research Council (ERC). CCMAR supports your application and helps you to expand your network of contacts, developing your research in a scientific environment of excellence.

The ERC is a public organisation that funds scientific and technological research carried out in the European Union (EU) by supporting researchers of any nationality carrying out cutting-edge research in all scientific fields. The ERC encourages pioneering ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries and introduce innovative approaches.

Why CCMAR?
CMAR is one of Portugal's leading marine science research centres, located at the University of the Algarve (Gambelas campus, Faro). Dedicated to scientific excellence and ocean sustainability, the centre promotes multidisciplinary research and collaborates with national and international institutions. It has state-of-the-art infrastructure - modern laboratories, marine stations and vessels - and offers efficient technical and administrative support. Its strategic location (next to Faro International Airport and close to several important marine ecosystems) facilitates global collaborations. CCMAR's areas of specialisation include:

• Oceanography and Marine Observations
• Marine Biology and Ecology
• Environmental Sciences and Bioremediation
• Fisheries, Aquaculture and Blue Biotechnology
• Marine Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration

However, researchers working outside these fields who want to establish a strong multidisciplinary science are also welcome.
 

Support offered by CCMAR
We are committed to attracting international talent and supporting researchers in preparing competitive ERC proposals. 
As part of our initiative, we offer:

• Visitor Programme or Virtual Meetings to establish collaborations (provisionally July 2025) to establish scientific partnerships within the framework of the application.
• Proposal writing support: graphic and budgeting assistance, as well as scientific advice on structuring the project.
• Submission to the ERC-PT Pre-Assessment Programme – an initiative from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) designed to improve proposals before they are submitted to ERC (~2 months before the ERC deadline). Available for this year's Starting Grant (StG2026), Consolidator Grant (CoG2026) submissions. This initiative includes international expert opinions on the initial part of the proposal (B1) and/or the full proposal (B1+B2) to strengthen the project before submission.
• Administrative support for ERC applications: guidance on all the bureaucratic procedures for applying to the ERC (online submission, institutional documentation, etc.).
• Competitive contracts (75 – 115 thousand euros/year) with institutional support for transition to a permanent career if the project is approved.
   

How to apply
Interested researchers should send an expression of interest by email to coordenadorccmar@ualg.pt. The email should include the subject line “CCMAR EoIs Call | ERC Grants | [Nome]” and the following documents should be attached.

1. Full CV, highlighting relevant experience.
2. Motivation letter, including:
   1. the candidate's experience;
   2. level of ERC grant sought (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced ou Synergy);
   3. main theme and planned activities of the project;
   4. interest in developing the project at CCMAR.

Expressions of interest will be selected by an internal CCMAR committee, taking into account the scientific merit, relevance of the project and alignment with the centre's strategic areas.

Important dates
The deadlines for submitting applications to the ERC and ERC-PT Pre-Assessment competitions are as follows (pre-assessments around 2 months before ERC applications):

The final deadlines for submitting proposals to the ERC can be found in the official FCT and ERC calendars. Applicants are advised to take these deadlines into account when planning their applications.

ERC researchers at CCMAR
CCMAR also welcomes researchers who are already recipients of ERC grants and wish to continue their projects in the Algarve. For these cases, there are national incentives (ERC-PT Careers from FCT) aimed at attracting and retaining grantees in permanent positions in Portuguese institutions. These include the ATTRACT (up to €550,000 to host projects by researchers from abroad) and RETAIN (salary incentives to integrate researchers already working in Portugal) programmes.
CCMAR, with its multidisciplinary environment, state-of-the-art infrastructures and network of collaborators, offers ideal conditions for pursuing high-quality research in marine sciences. Researchers with eligible projects are encouraged to contact CCMAR for more information by e-mailing coordenadorccmar@ualg.pt.

How to express your interest 
If your research fits in with CCMAR's mission and competences and you would like to continue pursuing excellence with us, please send your expression of interest by email, including the following information:

1. Full CV
2. Letter of Motivation detailing:
   1. Relevant experience.
   2. The level of the ERC grant.
   3. The main theme and activities planned for the continuation of the ERC project.
   4. Your interest in continuing your ERC project at CCMAR.

Send by email to: coordenadorccmar@ualg.pt 
Subject: ERC Careers at CCMAR | [Name]

Useful links:
https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant
https://www.fct.pt/en/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/programa-erc-portugal/