About European Research College (ERC).
The European Research College (ERC) is an independent institution within the European Research University (ERUNI), established as a centre for scholarly collaboration and innovation. It operates as a decentralised research network, with autonomous academic hubs located in major global cities — including London, Amsterdam and Rome — and a strategic vision for continued expansion.
While formally integrated into the ERUNI framework, each ERC hub maintains academic independence in shaping its own research agenda, grounded in local expertise, academic partnerships, and disciplinary depth. This decentralised structure allows for diverse and context-sensitive research cultures to flourish within a unified academic identity.
ERC’s research spans a broad and evolving spectrum of disciplines. Current areas of inquiry include:
- economics and business studies,
- psychological and learning sciences,
- law and legal theory, international and commercial law,
- political science and international relations,
- theology, religious studies, and canon law,
- artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer science.
As the network grows, ERC is committed to supporting new and interdisciplinary fields, including those that go beyond the traditional boundaries of the social sciences.
ERC provides an academic environment characterised by freedom, focus, and collegiality. Research appointments are typically non-teaching positions, allowing scholars to dedicate their time fully to research, collaboration, and professional development. This structure enables high-impact scholarship while fostering a culture of depth, independence, and mutual respect.
To further promote original research, ERC regularly announces thematic research grant calls aligned with the focus areas of its centres. These grants may support personnel costs, conference travel, international collaboration, publication fees, and other project-related needs. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and aim to support both individual and collaborative academic work.
ERC also hosts workshops, lectures, and academic events designed to strengthen key research skills, including project design, academic writing, research communication, and publication strategy. These initiatives are tailored to support researchers at all stages of their academic careers.
With its independent governance, international outlook, and commitment to academic freedom, ERC offers researchers a unique opportunity to pursue meaningful work in a supportive and intellectually rich environment. We warmly invite scholars to engage, collaborate, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within a dynamic, inclusive academic community that values excellence, integrity, and innovation.
ERC current open positions (2026)
We are now expanding our ERCs in London, Amsterdam and Rome, and invite applications from motivated scholars who wish to engage in comparative, interdisciplinary, and policy-relevant research. The open positions are research-only with no teaching duties.
ERC workshops & seminars.
The European Research College regularly organises research workshops and seminars across its international hubs, bringing together scholars working in related fields within each location. These events provide a space for intellectual exchange, presentation of ongoing research, and the development of new collaborations within a collegial and supportive academic environment. Designed primarily for researchers based in or connected to our centres, the workshops foster local scholarly communities while contributing to ERC’s wider international network. For current and upcoming events, please see the list of ERC research workshops and seminars.
Doctoral research fellowship.
A fully funded PhD programme for those ready to publish from day one
Pursue a doctoral degree with European Research University (ERUNI) within an individualised, research-intensive environment designed for candidates who aim to produce internationally competitive work from the very beginning.
Work with international supervisors, access a European research network, and follow a structured path towards publication — with full financial support up to EUR 250,000 in total for three years.
This special offer provided through the Foundation FOR THE FUTURE applies only to applications submitted by 30 June 2026.
Get in touch.
If you are a researcher looking for an intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and internationally oriented academic environment, we warmly invite you to connect with us. The European Research College (ERC) welcomes scholars at all career stages who share our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and integrity.
ERC operates a decentralised network of research hubs in London, Amsterdam and Rome, each with its own thematic focus — ranging from economics and law to artificial intelligence, theology, and the natural sciences. We support independent research appointments, encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, and foster a professional culture built on mutual respect and academic freedom.
Academic and strategic leadership.
Prof. Laboutková provides strategic oversight of the ERC as part of its founding faculty. She ensures that the College’s academic activities remain aligned with the mission and quality standards of the European Research University. Her role includes coordination across ERC hubs and long-term academic vision.
Dr Šimral leads the development and coordination of the European Research College as a decentralised international research network. He is responsible for shaping ERC’s research strategy, guiding interdisciplinary collaboration, and representing the College in global partnerships. He also oversees the academic quality and institutional growth of ERC’s centres.
Researcher contact and onboarding.
Charlie serves as the main point of contact for researchers interested in joining the ERC community. He supports enquiries related to academic affiliation, recruitment, and onboarding, and connects scholars with the appropriate academic leads across our hubs. Charlie also facilitates integration into ERC’s international research environment and provides ongoing administrative support.
