European Research Funding Applications Surge 65% as Success Rates Plummet to Single Digits
Summary
European research funding faces a crisis as grant applications surge 65% to record highs while success rates crash into single digits, with scientists now competing against overwhelming odds for static budgets.
Key Points
- European research grant applications surge to record highs in 2025, with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships receiving over 17,000 applications - a 65% increase from 2024
- Success rates for major European funding schemes plummet to single digits, with ERC Starting Grants dropping to 12% and Advanced Grants falling to just 8%
- Scientists face unprecedented competition as funding budgets remain static while applications double, forcing researchers to rely increasingly on luck rather than merit alone