Apply for Funding with
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Europe’s Leading Programme for Research Excellence, Mobility & Societal Impact
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is part of the "Excellent Science" pillar of Horizon Europe and EU’s flagship programme for fostering research excellence, international mobility, and interdisciplinary collaboration. MSCA funds projects that transform science and its interaction with society, supporting both organisations and researchers at all career stages. The programme also has a structural impact on European research institutions and systems.
Why Choose MSCA?
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) stand out for their strong international dimension, as all schemes promote cross-border mobility and global collaboration. Open to all sectors, the programme welcomes applications from universities, research centres, companies (including SMEs), and both public and private organisations.
With flexible and competitive funding covering staff costs, research, training, and mobility, MSCA not only drives scientific excellence but also delivers real societal impact by promoting collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation across Europe.
Flexible and competitive funding covers staff costs, research, training, mobility, and networking with models tailored to the specific action. Beyond advancing research, MSCA ensures a clear societal impact by encouraging science communication, talent development, and alignment with Europe’s innovation priorities, while actively promoting gender equality, inclusion, and diversity.
Applicants also benefit from dedicated guidance and partner search tools and national contact points to build successful proposals.
Upcoming MSCA Calls: 3 Key Funding Opportunities
MSCA Staff Exchanges 2025
The MSCA Staff Exchanges 2025 scheme is designed to support partnerships between organisations from both academic and non-academic sectors, including SMEs, across the world.
The main objective is to promote the mobility of research and innovation staff, enabling knowledge transfer and strengthening sustainable cooperation.
What does the grant support?
Staff mobility: The scheme funds secondments of research and innovation staff, allowing them to work at partner organisations for defined periods. These secondments must be essential for the joint research and innovation project and contribute directly to its objectives.
Collaboration and skills development: Projects should leverage complementary expertise and create synergies among participating organisations. Staff members benefit from opportunities to acquire new skills and advance their careers, with appropriate mentoring provided by host organisations.
Networking and knowledge sharing: Supported activities may include workshops, conferences, and other events that facilitate knowledge exchange and the testing of innovative approaches.
Call deadline: 8 October 2025.
MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025
The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025 scheme supports partnerships of universities, research institutions, businesses (including SMEs), and other socio-economic actors from different countries across Europe and beyond. The main objective is to implement doctoral programmes that train highly skilled doctoral candidates, stimulate creativity, and enhance innovation capacities.
What does the grant support?
Doctoral training: Funding is provided for doctoral programmes that expose researchers to both academic and non-academic sectors and offer training in research-related and transferable skills relevant for innovation and long-term employability.
International and intersectoral collaboration: Projects encourage strategic partnerships and mobility, allowing organisations from third countries to participate and fostering global cooperation.
Open, transparent recruitment: Doctoral candidates are selected through open, merit-based procedures, with vacancies widely advertised internationally.
Programme types: Support is available for standard Doctoral Networks, as well as Industrial Doctorates (joint supervision by academic and non-academic partners) and Joint Doctorates (integrated programmes leading to joint or multiple degrees).
Call deadline: 25 November 2025.
MSCA and Citizens
MSCA and Citizens: European Researchers’ Night & Researchers at Schools 2026–2027 scheme brings research and researchers closer to the public by raising awareness of R&I activities and boosting public recognition of science and research education. The initiative highlights the role of researchers in society and the economy and seeks to inspire young people to pursue scientific careers.
What does the grant support?
European Researchers’ Night: Funding supports the organisation of Europe’s largest research communication event, held annually across EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Activities include exhibitions, hands-on experiments, science shows, games, and more, making science accessible to all.
Researchers at Schools: The scheme also funds activities that bring researchers into schools and educational centres, encouraging interaction with pupils at all levels and strengthening the connection between research and education.
Inclusiveness and outreach: Projects focus on engaging families, students, and groups with limited access to STEAM fields, promoting gender balance, open science, and responsible research and innovation.
Call deadline: 22 October 2025.