The European Research Council (ERC) named its first Consolidator Grant recipients on 14 January, all mid-career researchers who are 7–12 years past their PhD. The 312 awardees each received up to €2.75 million (US$3.74 million). The ERC created the new category after the number of mid-stage applicants for its Starting Grant in 2013 jumped to more than 3,600, up by 46% on 2012, reflecting tight funding across Europe. The original Starting Grant is now open to researchers who earned their PhDs 2–7 years ago. The average success rate for both grants is less than 9%. “Competition will remain fierce” for the coveted grants, says ERC president Jean-Pierre Bourguignon.