The MCAA presents its vision for the MSCA in FP10

The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) has released a policy paper outlining strategic directions for the European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) in the upcoming 10th European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest policy paper, “Empowering Innovation: MCAA’s Recommendations for the MSCA in FP10”, offering recommendations to strengthen the success of the MSCA and ensure it remains a cornerstone of excellence and innovation in the European research landscape.

Published in response to the European Commission’s consultation on the future orientations of the MSCA, this paper marks our latest contribution to the ongoing policy discussions while reflecting our collective vision for a more inclusive research environment.

Although we recognise the success of the MSCA in fostering international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary collaborations and contributing to tackling global challenges, we envision further improvements to the programme to better support the European research community in the context of FP10.

Drawn from extensive dialogue with our members across various disciplines and backgrounds, the recommendations presented in this document aim to enhance the effectiveness, inclusiveness, and impact of the MSCA. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Strengthening connections with industry and policy environments to enhance the application of research outputs in real-world settings, including the introduction of proof-of-concept funding.
• Enhancing the monitoring of training and career development activities to boost researchers’ skills and professional growth.
• Creating a fund similar to the European Innovation Council (ERC) Proof of Concept to help MSCA fellows explore commercial applications of their research, enhancing innovation and societal impact and strengthening synergies between the MSCA and the European Innovation Council (EIC) programmes.