Unleash the full potential of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

The leading universities of science & technology united within CESAER published today a position outlining recommendations for the future trajectory of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

• The full position is available for dissemination here (PDF)

The position is elaborated along four dimensions: (i) double the funding for the framework programme, including substantial boost for the MSCA; (ii) unleash their full potential; (iii) boost their capacity to advance research careers; (iv) advance greening, visa facilitation, widening and synergies.

"We are proud to be part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, a flagship funding instrument for doctoral and postdoctoral training. The MSCA's unique approach of providing direct support to researchers yields immediate benefits to individuals and creates long-term, system-wide benefits. However, many high-scoring, excellent proposals remain unfunded due to budget constraints. We call on the EU institutions to agree on, at least, a doubling of the budget for FP10, including a substantial boost of the budget for MSCA."

-- Orla Feely (President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin)

"The MSCA have evolved into an extremely valued and impactful instrument, contributing significantly to attracting talented youngsters to Europe and advancing research careers. However, to effectively advance these careers, it is essential to employ a combination of policy measures, including the guarantee of research freedom across all areas of knowledge, modernisation of research assessment procedures and new funding mechanisms. We call upon the European Commission to explore ways which can enhance the research community's active participation in the strategic planning and oversight of the MSCA. This includes exploring the establishment of an independent ‘Marie Skłodowska-Curie Council’ with the objective to maximise the MSCA's potential as the EU level instrument for attracting talented youngsters to Europe and advancing research careers."

-- Manuel Heitor (CESAER Envoy on Research Careers and Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico in Portugal)

For more information, please contact Information & Communication Officer Justine Moynat.

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