ERC Advanced Grant Principal Investigators are expected to be active researchers and to have a track record of significant research achievements in the last 10 years which must be presented in the application.

Principal Investigators of Advanced Grant proposals will be expected to demonstrate a record of achievements appropriate to the field and at least matching one or more of the following benchmarks:

• 10 publications as main author (or in those fields where alphabetic order of authorship is the norm, joint author) in major international peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journals, and/or in the leading international peer-reviewed journals and peer-reviewed conferences proceedings of their respective field;
• 3 major research monographs;
• 5 granted patents;
• 10 invited presentations in well-established internationally organised conferences and advanced schools;
• 3 research expeditions led by the applicant Principal Investigator;
• 3 well-established international conferences or congresses where the applicant was involved as a member of the steering and/or organising committee;
• International recognition through scientific or artistic prizes/awards or membership in well-regarded Academies or artefact with documented use (for example, architectural or engineering design, methods or tools);
• Major contributions to launching the careers of outstanding researchers;
• Recognised leadership in industrial innovation.