Policy
Policy Statements on MSCA and FP10
The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) actively engages in shaping research and innovation policies in Europe, with a focus on enhancing the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) within the upcoming 10th European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).
Here, we showcase our policy-related statements, recommendations and collaborative efforts with stakeholders to ensure that the MSCA continues to drive excellence, inclusiveness, and innovation in the European research landscape. These documents highlight a collective for elevating the MSCA's role within FP10, strengthening its impact, and advocating for a robust and well-funded programme that supports researchers across all career stages.
Statements by the MCAA or joint statements
Statement by Eurodoc & the MCAA: Wishlist for the ERA Act
In its 25 years of existence, the European Research Area (ERA) has contributed significantly to strengthening the region’s competitiveness. However, there are still large discrepancies throughout the region. In this statement, the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc) and the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) comment on the upcoming European Research Act (ERA Act) and how it can help reduce these disparities and further increase the ERA’s competitiveness. Read more
Preserving the foundation of innovation: enhancing early-stage collaborative R&I in FP10
As the European Union sets out new proposals for the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) joined 11 other leading research oranisations in urging the European Commission, European Parliament, and Member States to reaffirm and strengthen the key role of early-stage collaborative R&I funding within FP10. Read more
No directionality in MSCA
The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) co-signed a joint statement with 16 other leading research organisations opposing the proposed introduction of directionality in the draft of the MSCA Work Programme 20266–2027. The organisations shared their concerns about the European Commission’s proposal to establish targeted calls aligned with the EU's political priorities and use top-down funding to fund projects in strategic fields. Read more
MCAA on Choose Europe: Attracting Global Talent to Build a Stronger ERA
On 5 May 2025, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented the first elements of the new Choose Europe initiative. Initially proposed in the Heitor Report as an initiative under the MSCA programme to attract and retain outstanding young researchers in Europe, the version presented by President von der Leyen has evolved in scale and ambition, covering several actions and programmes beyond the MSCA. The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) strongly supports the Choose Europe initiative, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to research, innovation, and international collaboration. Read more
MCAA's vision for the next MFF: Strengthening European Competitiveness by empowering the MSCA
In light of the European Commission's ongoing work towards shaping the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) provided input into the public consultation process. Through this consultation, the MCAA aimed to highlight key areas where EU funding can better support the advancement of scientific excellence, inclusivity, and the long-term sustainability of Europe’s research ecosystem. Read more
Eurodoc and MCAA Response on the Horizon Europe Interim Evaluation Report
Joint statement by the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc) on the Horizon Europe interim evaluation Report. Both the MCAA and Eurodoc welcomed the independent expert group’s recommendations to strengthen the current and future framework programs. Read more
We Need Much More MSCA
On September 17th 2024, the MSCA Unit of the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport of the European Commission presented the consultation outcomes on the future of the MSCA. As a result, the MCAA and various organisations in the European research and innovation landscape issued a joint statement expressing concern over the lack of recognition for the MSCA in key policy documents and calls for increased budget and support for the programme. Read more
Empowering Innovation: The MCAA's Recommendations for the MSCA in FP10
In response to the European Commission's consultation on the future of the MSCA, the MCAA developed recommendations for the upcoming FP10. These aim to enhance the MSCA's effectiveness, inclusiveness, and impact, ensuring it remains a pillar of excellence in the European research landscape. Read more
Key Recommendations by the MCAA on the MSCA Programme
During the MCAA Annual Conference 2023 in Córdoba, Spain, discussions focused on the challenges in research assessment, sustainable development, and stability of early career researchers. Building on the sessions and key points made during the conference, a policy brief was developed to set out the MCAA’s recommendations relevant to evaluating the first results of Horizon Europe's Research & Innovation Actions funded by the EU in 2021–2023. Read more
Statements by Stakeholders
CESAER: Opinion Piece - 'Free Marie-Skłodowska Curie!'
In an op-ed published on May 23, 2024, CESAER leaders called for unleashing the full potential of the MSCA to provide more opportunities for research careers in Europe. Read More
CESAER: Position on 'Unleash Full Potential of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions'
CESAER's position paper outlines recommendations to boost funding and capacity for the MSCA, supporting collaborative research and innovation across Europe. Read more
YERUN: FP10 - Attractive, Impactful, and Inclusive
YERUN proposes key priorities to make FP10 an attractive, impactful, and inclusive R&I programme, with a focus on collaborative research, coherence, and inclusiveness. Read more
EU-LIFE: Towards FP10 - Vision for MSCA
EU-LIFE outlines its vision for enhancing MSCA in FP10, emphasizing budget increases, support for early-career researchers, and fostering mobility and interdisciplinarity. Read more
ISE: Answers to Four Questions on the Framework Programmes Horizon Europe and FP10
ISE highlights the significant challenges facing FP10, such as geopolitical changes, climate impact, technology gaps, and demographic shifts. Their statement also stresses the importance of addressing academic freedom, collaborative research, and better conditions for researchers within FP10. Read more
ISE: Main Recommendations for Horizon Europe and FP10
ISE emphasizes the importance of shielding the budget for MSCA and the European Research Council from cuts. They call for boosting collaborative basic research to complete the R&I cycle and simplify access to funding mechanisms for widening participation across Europe. Read more
Science Europe: 10 Key Messages for FP10
Science Europe's position paper provides recommendations for preserving academic freedom, promoting open science, and increasing investment in R&I within FP10. Read more
EUA: Paving the Way for Impactful European R&I
The EUA outlines its vision for FP10, focusing on strategic enhancements to the framework programme's budget, structure, and core principles to maximize impact. Read more
Other useful resources
To learn more about FP10, please check the resources at the ERA Portal Austria To read more statements by the MCAA, browse our Zenodo Community.
Research Matters - Campaign to increase European Founding
MCAA have joined over 80 organisations in raising awareness and advocating for increased investment in R&I to tackle current challenges and ensure Europe’s future prosperity as part of the Research Matters Campaign. Together, we call for:
• Increasing funding for R&D, reaching over 3% of GDP in the EU and all European countries.
• Doubling the budget for the next EU Framework Programme for R&I and protecting the budget by ring-fencing it.
For further details and how you can get involved, click here to learn more