Ahead of the upcoming SAM reports on Advanced Materials, the European Research Council (ERC) has published a new report highlighting the vital role of frontier, curiosity‑driven research in this rapidly evolving field.

Read the full report:
https://erc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2026-02/Advanced-materials-ERC-frontier-research-for-a-competitive-sustainable-Europe.pdf

"Advanced materials: ERC frontier research for a competitive, sustainable Europe" showcases breakthroughs that are driving transformative change across key societal areas, from health and electronics to energy, construction and mobility, and underpinning a more sustainable, resilient and competitive Europe.
Drawing on insights from over 1,500 ERC‑funded projects, the report illustrates how fundamental research lays the groundwork for real‑world solutions, sustainable growth and Europe’s leadership in strategic policy domains. The ERC has invested €2.37 billion in frontier research on advanced materials between 2014 and 2023: an area crucial to Europe’s industrial competitiveness and transition to greener and digital futures.