ERC means European Research Council
The ERC (often referred to as the European Research Council in the Netherlands) is an organisation that promotes (scientific) research in Europe. They do this mainly by funding scientists. The ERC was established in 2007 by the European Union. As a scientist, you can submit a research proposal to the ERC, who will then look at which surveys the money is given. In 2014, EUR 1.7 trillion was available for research. More information can be read on the ERC's (English) website.
European Research Council funding Opportunities [YouTube] tQN7YWlV8rs [/youtube]