Supporting researchers and organisations in 2021
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme contributes to excellence in research, jobs, growth and investment by giving researchers new knowledge and skills. Between 2014 and 2020, the programme supported over 65,000 researchers from Europe and beyond.
Under MSCA, the European Commission has announced new calls to support researchers' training, skills and career development.
The calls follow the adoption of the Horizon Europe 2021–2022 work programme and are for doctoral education and training.
With a total budget of €6.6 billion, these actions will support researchers at all stages of their careers and in all disciplines. They will also benefit institutions, innovation projects, companies and SMEs by increasing collaboration and research, whilst boosting innovation in the EU.
Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: "The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted once more the importance of Europe's reliance on highly skilled researchers able to detect and tackle upcoming challenges. It also showed the value of communicating scientific evidence to policymakers and the public, and working across disciplines. In this context, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions is a crucial instrument. Since its launch 25 years ago, the programme has been encouraging more women and men into research careers, promoting Europe's attractiveness for top talents from around the world.”
In 2021 MSCA will provide around €822 million for five actions:
- MSCA Doctoral Networks – implement training in academia, industry and businesses.
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships – enhances the creative potential of researchers who have a PhD. Funding is for researchers ready to pursue frontier research and innovation projects in Europe and around the world.
- MSCA Staff Exchanges – develops international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary sustainable collaboration in research and innovation through exchanging staff. The scheme helps turn ideas into innovative products, services or processes.
- MSCA COFUND – co-finances new or existing doctoral programmes and post-doctoral fellowship schemes in the EU.
- MSCA and Citizens – brings research closer to students, families and the public through the European Researchers' Night.
MSCA will also encourage inter-sectoral collaboration between academia and businesses. It will promote sustainability, research and management in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Find out more about MSCA here and find the full list of open calls here.
