MSCA

MSCA

The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are a set of funding programs under the European Union's Horizon Europe framework, aimed at supporting research training, career development, and international mobility of researchers at all stages of their careers. Named after the renowned scientist Marie Sklodowska-Curie, these actions are a key part of the EU's commitment to fostering a dynamic and innovative research landscape across Europe and beyond. MSCA funds high-quality research and training, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhances the mobility of researchers to ensure the development of a highly skilled and diverse research workforce.

MSCA programs are designed to equip researchers with the skills needed to tackle current and future global challenges while promoting international and intersectoral mobility. By providing opportunities for researchers to work in different countries and sectors, MSCA enhances knowledge transfer, drives innovation, and strengthens the European Research Area (ERA).

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions is to support the training and career development of researchers through excellent and innovative research and training opportunities. MSCA aims to create a world-class research and innovation workforce that can effectively address complex societal challenges. The program emphasizes international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary mobility to foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between academia, industry, and society.

MSCA's vision is to be a leading program in training researchers to become creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative individuals, capable of working across sectors and disciplines. Through its various actions, MSCA seeks to build a more resilient and interconnected research ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes research excellence, and enhances Europe's competitiveness on the global stage.

Key Actions and Funding Programs

MSCA offers several funding schemes tailored to different research needs and career stages, all focused on enhancing the mobility, skills, and employability of researchers:

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  MSCA Doctoral Networks: Doctoral Networks support joint research training and/or doctoral programs implemented by partnerships of universities, research institutions, and industry. These networks provide early-stage researchers with high-quality training opportunities in academic and non-academic settings, equipping them with transferable skills and hands-on research experience. The goal is to foster the next generation of researchers capable of tackling interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral challenges.
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  MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships: Postdoctoral Fellowships support individual researchers who are looking to enhance their careers by acquiring new skills through advanced training and international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility. These fellowships provide opportunities for researchers to work on projects of their choice in a host institution in Europe or globally, fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
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  MSCA Staff Exchanges: The Staff Exchanges action promotes international, cross-sectoral, and interdisciplinary collaboration in research and innovation through the exchange of staff members. It supports short-term exchanges of personnel, including researchers, innovators, administrative, and technical staff, between academic and non-academic organizations. This action aims to create a strong network of research and innovation across Europe and beyond, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building.
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  MSCA COFUND: The COFUND program provides co-funding for regional, national, and international doctoral and fellowship programs. It supports new or existing training programs to promote excellence in research training, mobility, and career development. COFUND enhances the impact of existing programs by aligning them with EU standards and facilitating access to international networks.
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  MSCA and Citizens (European Researchers Night): This action aims to bring research closer to the public through science communication and outreach activities, including the annual European Researchers Night event. These initiatives engage citizens with science, raise awareness of the importance of research in everyday life, and inspire the next generation of researchers.

Impact on Research, Innovation, and Society

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions have had a profound impact on the European and global research landscape, enhancing research capacity, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. Key areas of impact include:

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  Enhancing Researcher Mobility: MSCA's emphasis on international and intersectoral mobility provides researchers with the opportunity to work in diverse environments, learn from different cultures, and gain new perspectives. This mobility fosters collaboration, accelerates knowledge transfer, and enhances the quality of research outputs.
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  Fostering Career Development: MSCA supports researchers at all career stages, from early-stage researchers to experienced postdoctoral fellows, providing training and development opportunities that enhance their skills, employability, and career prospects. The program's focus on interdisciplinary and intersectoral training equips researchers with the skills needed to adapt to evolving job markets.
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  Promoting Research Excellence: MSCA-funded projects contribute to scientific excellence by supporting high-quality research across all disciplines. The program encourages innovative research that addresses global challenges, from climate change and health to digital transformation and sustainable development.
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  Strengthening the European Research Area: MSCA plays a crucial role in building a cohesive and integrated European Research Area by supporting collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines. The program's emphasis on mobility and international partnerships enhances Europe's research capacity and global competitiveness.
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  Engaging Society with Science: Through its public engagement initiatives, MSCA promotes science communication and raises awareness of the societal value of research. Activities such as the European Researchers Night help to demystify science, inspire young people to pursue research careers, and foster public trust in scientific research.

Promoting Inclusivity and Gender Equality in Research

MSCA is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality in research. The program actively supports the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those from less research-intensive regions. MSCA's gender strategy aims to address gender imbalances in research, support work-life balance, and ensure that the program's benefits are accessible to all. The program also emphasizes the importance of an inclusive research environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of equality. By implementing measures that promote inclusivity, MSCA contributes to building a more equitable and diverse research ecosystem.