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Scientists receive millions in funding for groundbreaking projects
Prof. Dr. Yurdakul and Prof. Dr. Börner will receive 2.5 million euros in ERC funding for innovative research projects at HU Berlin.
Scientists receive millions in funding for groundbreaking projects
On June 18, 2025 it was announced that the renowned scientists Prof. Dr. Gökce Yurdakul and Prof. Dr. Hans Börner were each awarded almost 2.5 million euros from the ERC Advanced Grants. These funds are a sign of support for excellent research and underline the importance of their work. Around 1.7 million euros of this funding will go to the Humboldt University of Berlin (HU) for its projects.
Prof. Dr. Yurdakul receives funding for his project “MENBELONG – Belonging for Single Migrant Men: A Cross-Country Comparative Perspective”. In this context, he examines the experiences of belonging of single men with a migration background in five countries: Syria in Turkey, Mexico in Canada, Turkey in Germany, Myanmar in Thailand and Venezuela in Chile. The goal of his research is to develop a comprehensive theory of migrant belonging.
Innovations in the field of polymer science
Prof. Dr. Hans Börner is funded for his project “IDefix – Digging Deep into the Sequence Space of Electrochemical Debonding of Peptides to Impact Next Generation Polymer Adhesives”. His research aims to develop strong adhesives that can be removed electrochemically. His approach is information-based and focuses on the analysis of peptides and their properties. The focus is on deriving effective design strategies for strong and switchable polymer-surface interactions.
The ERC Advanced Grants are aimed at established Principal Investigators (PIs) who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities in terms of the originality and significance of their research contributions. Applications can be made in any research area without placing any specific academic requirements on the applicants. However, the research proposal must be supported by a public or private research institution, the so-called host institution.
Financing framework and application process
The maximum funding amount for ERC Advanced Grants is 2.5 million euros for five years, with the possibility of applying for an additional 1 million euros for “start-up” costs. Proposals must be submitted in response to a call for proposals, and calls are made annually for all scientific areas. Applications are evaluated by international peer reviewers who judge based on excellence.
While the ERC Advanced Grants support existing and experienced researchers, the ERC Starting Grant also offers talented, early-career scientists the opportunity to pursue their own research path. Applicants for the Starting Grant, who can apply for 1.5 million euros for five years, must demonstrate between two and seven years of experience after their doctorate. Applications can also be submitted in any research area and are open to researchers of all nationalities.
Overall, the current awarding of the ERC Advanced Grants not only shows the innovative strength of the scientists, but also the European Union's tireless support for excellent research. Important information about the application processes and the current guidelines can be found on the European Research Council website, both for Advanced Grants as well as for Starting Grants.