Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "As part of Horizon 2020, the ERC funds the work of some of the most brilliant minds in frontier research, people whose discoveries can start new industries, new markets and contribute to the welfare of the planet."

With grants worth up to €2 million each, they will be able to consolidate their research teams and develop their innovative ideas. The researchers selected in this call will, for example, develop a new method to control insects that transmit diseases such as the Zika virus, build ultra-thin portable fuel cells, and study the underperformance of low-income area schools. They are likely to employ more than 2 100 post-docs, PhD students and other staff.

(For more information: Lucia Caudet – Tel.: +32 229 56182, Axel Fougner +32 229 13213)