European Research College, ERUNI

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, international relations and political economy
• 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.