Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): European funding for research careers, mobility and innovation
The European Commission launched the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, or MSCA, to promote the mobility of researchers as well as technical and administrative research and innovation staff across countries, sectors and disciplines.
The MSCA make Europe more attractive to outstanding talent and help build a strong pool of researchers, innovators and research managers. The programme is based on the following core principles:
Excellence
The MSCA support excellent researchers at all career stages. They also promote excellence in research and innovation cooperation, knowledge transfer, research methods and content, as well as in training, supervision and career guidance.
Mobility
The MSCA encourage researchers to move between countries, sectors and disciplines. This enables them to gain new knowledge, develop skills and strengthen their professional competences.
Bottom-up approach and global openness
The MSCA are open to all areas of research and innovation. They follow a bottom-up approach and support international cooperation in order to build strategic partnerships across Europe and beyond.
Under Horizon Europe, the MSCA have a total budget of €6.6 billion.
A key priority for the European Union is the creation and development of European and international partnerships between academia, industry and other socio-economic actors.
Who are the MSCA for?
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions are relevant for:
research and training organisations
early-stage researchers
doctoral candidates and
experienced researchers
They also support institutions that provide structured training, career development and international research opportunities.
MSCA funding: how the programme works
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions follow their own funding model. This differs significantly from other parts of the Horizon Europe programme. MSCA funding supports specific project components and can cover up to 100 per cent of eligible costs.
The funding is not paid directly to individual researchers. Instead, the EU grant is awarded to the coordinating organisation, which also acts as the contractual partner of the European Union. This organisation must be based in an EU Member State or in a country associated to Horizon Europe.
Even in projects involving partners from third countries, the EU funding remains with the European coordinating organisation.
The EU distinguishes between two main types of costs.
1. Costs for researchers
Organisations receive fixed unit contributions for the recruitment and employment of researchers. These amounts depend on the researcher’s qualification, mobility status and family situation. A country correction coefficient adjusts the living allowance to the cost of living in the host country.
The funding is intended as a gross amount for a regular employment contract. The EU requires a full-time employment relationship. Fellowships in the form of scholarships are not eligible.
2. Costs for institutions
The EU also contributes to institutional costs. These include research, training and networking activities, knowledge transfer, management and administration.
The applicable cost categories and funding rates are set out in the MSCA Work Programme, usually in clearly structured tables. Further details are provided in the relevant Guide for Applicants.
For the full duration of Horizon Europe, the MSCA have a budget of around €6.6 billion. This is a strong signal in support of excellent research, international mobility and research careers in Europe.
MSCA funding lines under Horizon Europe
The European Union funds the following actions under the MSCA:
Doctoral Networks (previously: ITN): formerly Innovative Training Networks, ITN: networks for doctoral training
Postdoctoral Fellowships (previously: IF): formerly Individual Fellowships, IF: international research stays and career development for postdoctoral researcherss
Staff Exchanges (previously: RISE): formerly Research and Innovation Staff Exchange, RISE: innovation through international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary staff exchange
COFUND: co-funding for regional, national and international doctoral and postdoctoral programmes
"MSCA and Citizens" (previously: NIGHT): formerly European Researchers’ Night, NIGHT: public engagement events that bring science and research closer to citizens
Overview of the name change of the MSCA measures under Horizon Europe:
Doctoral Networks DN (previously: ITN): Doctoral training networks in Europe
MSCA Doctoral Networks, or DN, are European doctoral training networks that bring together universities, research institutions, companies and other organisations around a joint research project. The funding line was previously known as Innovative Training Networks, or ITN.
Doctoral Networks support the training of early-stage researchers and doctoral candidates. They help young researchers develop their skills in an international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral environment. Close cooperation between academic institutions, industry and other non-academic partners improves career prospects and strengthens knowledge transfer between research, business and society.
Who can take part in Doctoral Networks?
An MSCA Doctoral Network must include at least three independent organisations from three different EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon Europe. At least one organisation must be based in an EU Member State. Each beneficiary in the consortium must recruit at least one doctoral candidate. The maximum project duration is four years. During this period, the EU can fund up to 360 person-months for the employment and training of doctoral candidates.
Special types of Doctoral Networks
There are two specific forms of MSCA Doctoral Networks: Industrial Doctorates and Joint Doctorates. These formats place a stronger emphasis on industrial participation or joint doctoral degrees. For Industrial Doctorates and Joint Doctorates, the EU can fund up to 540 person-months.
Industrial Doctorates: doctoral training with practical industry experience
MSCA Industrial Doctorates, or ID, link academic research with practical application in industry and other non-academic sectors. Universities, research organisations and companies work closely together to train doctoral candidates in research environments that combine scientific excellence with real-world relevance. The consortium must include at least three organisations. At least two of them must come from different sectors: one from the academic sector and one from the non-academic sector. Doctoral candidates must spend at least 50 per cent of their project time in the non-academic sector, for example in a company. Joint supervision is possible. Academic and non-academic partners may also be located in the same country.
Industrial Doctorates are particularly relevant for organisations that want to strengthen applied research, innovation, technology transfer and career pathways between academia and industry.
Joint Doctorates: international doctoral programmes with joint degrees
MSCA Joint Doctorates, or JD, support structured doctoral programmes with a strong international profile. They are designed for consortia that award joint, double or multiple doctoral degrees. The consortium must include at least three organisations that are entitled to award doctoral degrees. At least two of these organisations must be authorised to award a joint, double or multiple doctoral degree. They must also be located in an EU Member State or in a country associated to Horizon Europe.
Joint Doctorates strengthen international cooperation in doctoral training. They create clear doctoral pathways, joint supervision structures and recognised degrees across national borders. They are especially suitable for institutions that want to develop high-quality international doctoral programmes and long-term academic partnerships.
The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call
The call is open from 28 May 2026, with applications due by 24 November 2026 and €593 million available to fund over 130 projects and train around 1,950 doctoral candidates.
Postdoctoral Fellowships: research stays for postdoctoral researchers (formerly IF)
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, or PF, support researchers holding a PhD who wish to advance their academic careers internationally. The funding line was previously known as Individual Fellowships, or IF. The fellowships are designed for researchers who want to carry out research abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers in a targeted way. Postdoctoral Fellowships provide research experience in other countries, disciplines and sectors. This can also include stays in non-academic organisations, such as companies, public authorities, NGOs or other institutions.
The aim of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships is to promote excellent research and support the career development of postdoctoral researchers. The fellowships strengthen international mobility, interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge transfer between academia, industry and society. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree by the application deadline. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree may also apply. Another important eligibility requirement concerns research experience. As a rule, applicants must have no more than eight years of research experience after the award of their doctoral degree.
Postdoctoral Fellowships Call
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call opened on 9 April 2026 and will close on 9 September 2026. With a budget of €399.05 million, the EU is expected to fund almost 1,600 projects for researchers holding a PhD who wish to advance their careers through international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility.
Staff Exchanges SE (previously: RISE): Innovation incentives through staff exchange programmes
The SE Action finances short-term international and cross-sectoral exchanges of employees working in the research and innovation activities of the participating organisations. The aim is to develop sustainable cooperation projects between different organisations in the academic and non-academic sectors (especially SMEs) in Europe and beyond. Exchange participants benefit from new knowledge, skills and professional development prospects, while participating organisations expand their research and innovation capacities.
Staff exchanges are open to international consortia of universities, research institutes, businesses, SMEs and other non-academic organisations. They must include at least three organisations in three different countries, two of which must be located in another EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe. Beyond this minimum, organisations from any country may participate. Should all participating organisations come from the same sector (academic or non-academic), at least one organisation must come from a non-associated third country.
Staff exchange projects can last up to four years. With the grant, the EU finances the mobility of seconded staff from one month to one year. The exchange of staff between organisations in EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe must take place between different areas (academic or non-academic), unless it is interdisciplinary. Partnerships with non-associated third countries should allow for exchanges within the same sector and subject matter.
Conditions of participation:
- Researchers at every career level, from doctoral candidates to post-doctoral candidates, as well as administrative, technical or managerial staff involved in research and innovation activities.
- Any nationality can participate
- Participants must be involved in or have been associated with research and innovation activities at least one month prior to secondment to their institution.
- Participants should return to their seconding institution after secondment to share their knowledge and promote cooperation.
Posted staff will receive an additional allowance from the EU (for travel, accommodation and subsistence costs) and allowance for special needs, if necessary, in addition to the salary paid by their organisation. The EU also provides funding for research, training and networking activities, management and indirect costs.
Staff Exchanges call schedule
This call will open on 15 December 2026. Deadline will be 15 April 2027.
More information on this forthcoming Staff Exchanges call 2026/ 2027.
COFUND: Co-financing for mobility programmes
The COFUND Action provides funds for regional, national and international programmes for training and professional development through co-financing mechanisms. COFUND promotes sustainable training and international, interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral mobility.
COFUND can work with the following types of organisation:
- State institutions
- Regional authorities
- Funding agencies
- Universities
- Research facilities
- Companies
COFUND projects should last up to five years and involve at least three researchers. COFUND funding is intended to help host institutions to cover the following costs for each researcher funded:
- A fixed amount (COFUND grant) equal to the minimum salary that researchers should receive. This grant can be used to support all expenses of the programme.
- A sabbatical leave allowance and, where applicable, a special needs allowance
There are two types of COFUND:
- Doctoral programmes: Research training activities aimed at developing and expanding skills and competences with the aim of obtaining a doctoral degree. Applicants must not have a doctoral degree and should be enrolled in a doctoral programme during the project.
- Postdoctoral programmes: Individual research training and career development grants for post-doctoral researchers. Applicants must have a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their thesis but have not yet been officially awarded the doctorate are also considered post-doctoral candidates and may apply. However, they should not be permanently employed by the host institution.
Applicants wishing to apply for doctoral and postdoctoral posts under COFUND should apply for supported COFUND projects by consulting their vacancies advertised internationally, including the EURAXESS portal.
Applicants may be of any nationality (nationals or long-term residents of an EU Member State or a country associated with Horizon Europe if the main part of a post-doctoral fellowship takes place in a non-associated third country) and may be funded for at least 3 months. They should also comply with the mobility rules: In the 36 months immediately before the deadline for the call of proposal expires, they may not have lived in the country of the inviting organisation for more than 12 months or have carried out their main activities (work, studies, etc.) there.
Forthcoming MSCA COFUND 2027
The next call will open on 8 December 2026 and close on 6 April 2027, 17:00 CEST.
MSCA and Citizens: making science visible to the public
MSCA and Citizens is the funding line within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions that brings research and researchers closer to society. It focuses on science communication, dialogue with citizens and direct exchange between researchers, schools and the wider public. The action mainly supports two formats: the European Researchers’ Night and the Researchers at Schools initiative. Both formats make research understandable, tangible and accessible. They are aimed in particular at families, pupils, students and groups that have had limited access to science, research and STEAM subjects.
European Researchers’ Night: experiencing research first-hand
The European Researchers’ Night is a Europe-wide science communication event. It traditionally takes place on the last Friday in September. Universities, research organisations, museums, companies and other institutions open their doors and show how research works and why it matters in everyday life. Visitors experience science through exhibitions, experiments, workshops, lectures, science shows, games, competitions and interactive formats. The aim is to make research tangible, strengthen trust in science and inspire young people to consider careers in research and innovation.
Researchers at Schools: bringing researchers into the classroom
The Researchers at Schools initiative brings researchers directly into schools and other educational institutions. Pupils gain insights into current research questions and speak with scientists about topics that shape society and the future. These topics include climate change, health, digitalisation, sustainable development, nutrition, energy, democracy, security and new technologies. The exchange is designed to spark curiosity, strengthen research literacy and show young people the career paths available in science and innovation.
Who can take part in MSCA and Citizens?
Eligible applicants are usually organisations that communicate science, conduct research or strengthen dialogue between research and society. These include research organisations and universities, public and private organisations, companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, public authorities, science museums, foundations, education providers, media organisations and other institutions active in science communication, education and innovation.
What does MSCA and Citizens fund?
MSCA and Citizens funds the organisation and implementation of public engagement activities linked to the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools. These activities include communication campaigns, events, school activities, interactive formats, networking activities, project management and impact assessment. Funding is generally provided as a lump sum. The programme supports projects that make research visible, explain the societal value of science and strengthen long-term exchange between researchers and the public.
Current status of the call
The MSCA and Citizens Call 2025 is closed. Projects funded under this call will implement the European Researchers’ Night 2026 and 2027 as well as Researchers at Schools activities over a two-year period. A comparable next call has already been announced. The MSCA and Citizens Call 2027 is expected to open on 9 March 2027 and close on 8 June 2027. The indicative budget is €15.71 million. Successful projects are expected to start in early 2028. Organisations planning science communication, public engagement or school outreach activities should prepare for the upcoming call at an early stage and identify suitable partners across Europe.
More about the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) online:
Official website of the EU Commission
Website of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), (only in German)
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