The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (hereinafter referred to as the Actions), as one of the structural elements of Pillar III “Excellent in Science”, is a unique initiative of the European Union aimed at promoting the formation of new professional competences for researchers.
The key objectives of the MSCA are:
- to provide in-depth support to researchers in terms of professional training, skills building and career development;
- to facilitate transnational, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility as a tool for deepening the relevant research experience;
- to allocate financial resources towards supporting advanced doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, as well as joint projects based on a commitment to high-quality standards;
- to improve national institutional recruitment processes in line with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
The financial avenues within the purview of Horizon Europe are delineated through comprehensive work programmes, encapsulating the predominant spectrum of available support mechanisms. The Work Programme of the main areas of the MSCA’s implementation for 2023-2024 is available here.
In the context of the implementation of the Horizon Europe Programme, the MSCA is divided into the following structural components.
| Component | Brief description |
| Doctoral Networks (DN) | Aims to establish cooperative doctoral initiatives spanning Europe and other regions, encouraging imaginative thinking, advancing innovation capabilities, and elevating the enduring employability of proficient candidates. |
| Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) | This initiative is directed towards individuals with a Ph.D. seeking to conduct research abroad, acquire fresh skills, and enhance their professional development. |
| Staff Exchanges (SE) | The initiative financially supports short-term international and cross-sector exchanges for staff engaged in research and innovation within participating organisations. |
| COFUND | The initiative allocates funding for regional, national and international training and career development programmes using co-financing mechanisms. |
| MSCA & Citizens | Aims to enhance the connection between research and the broader public, which is achieved through the European Researchers’ Night, a pan-European event spanning EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The event is intended to popularise outstanding research projects, raise public awareness of the importance and benefits of research and innovation, demonstrate their tangible impact on everyday life, and inspire young people to start a scientific career. |
Detailed explanations on the various aspects of project implementation under the four components of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (Doctoral Networks (DN), Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF), Staff Exchange (SE), COFUND) can be found in the special Financial Guide (current version as of 01 December 2023).
More detailed information on the MSCA’s content, including the way the EU’s key research mobility and training programme contributes to the effective management, mentoring and career guidance of researchers, is available on the MSCA’s official website.
Additional useful resources:
1) MSCA matchmaking platform is a platform for interaction between grantees, businesses, mentors, NGOs and academic institutions from many European countries and beyond. Additionally, there is the option to participate in research networks, exchange experiences and participate in COFUND initiatives.
2) The Marie Curie Alumni Association is an international non-profit organisation established by the European Commission. It is a community operating voluntarily. It was founded to gather the alumni of the Action Programme and to facilitate the expansion of the partner network of researchers and professionals who interact within the Project. The main tasks of the organisation are to strengthen communication and cooperation between the Action participants, disseminate knowledge, and provide career opportunities for researchers.
3) MSCAdvocacy is a project launched by the European Commission in 2022, which offers a range of services to policy makers, research institutions, individual researchers, innovators and experts to promote international cooperation in the context of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action.