News from the MCAA - Workshop on MSCA and EM funding opportunities - September 2025

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Charanraj Mohan received his Master’s degree in Electronics, Signal Processing, and Communication in 2015, and his PhD in Physical Sciences and Technologies in 2021, both from the University of Seville. He has been awarded several fellowships and grants, including the IEEMA project, Erasmus Mundus–HERITAGE scholarship, Lloyd’s Register Foundation doctoral studentship, the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, and a grant from the EACEA. He received the distinction of Premio Extraordinario de Fin de Máster (the Spanish recognition of Honours) for his master’s degree. He has served as a volunteer for the National Service Scheme, HelpAge India, EMA, and the MCAA. His research interests include circuit design using complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technologies, bio-inspired device applications, and unconventional computing.

The workshop formed part of a series of activities funded by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the Erasmus+ Students and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) Work Package (WP) 3.2.1 programme, aimed at promoting EU opportunities for higher education and research. Co-organised by EMA and the MCAA India Chapter, the event also sought to strengthen collaboration between the two alumni networks.

Advancing careers with MSCA and EM

The workshop was held at Rogers Hall, Politecnico di Milano. It was designed as a two-part event: the morning focused on MSCA funding, while the afternoon centred on EM scholarships. Speakers and panellists included a Project Adviser from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), as well as academicians, researchers, EM coordinators, intellectual property experts, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) grantees, EM scholars, and volunteers from both the MCAA and EMA. The workshop attracted about 70 participants from Milan and surrounding areas, who benefited from first-hand advice on application strategies, proposal preparation, and career development.

MSCA funding session

The morning session, moderated by Sivagurunathan Ulaganathan from Nord University and the MCAA India Chapter, started with the keynote presentation of Chiara Bellani from REA, who highlighted various MSCA funding schemes and opportunities. This was followed by the presentation of Sivagurunathan Ulaganathan from Nord University, a two-time MSCA grantee. He provided a detailed blueprint on how to prepare a successful MSCA fellowship proposal, including what to include and common mistakes to avoid.

A panel discussion on the path after MSCA funding followed, which was made interesting and motivational by the multidisciplinary panellists: the previously mentioned Chiara Bellani and Sivagurunathan Ulaganathan, Valentina Goglio from the University of Turin, Nidia Maldonado Carmona from Università degli Studi di Firenze, Esmeralda Colombo from the RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment, and Luca Stendardo from the Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy (CNR-ICMATE). The diverse perspectives of the experts, from the industry, academia, research, and IP, enriched the debate on opportunities and challenges after MSCA funding.

Erasmus Mundus scholaship session

The afternoon session, moderated by Charanraj Mohan from the Politecnico di Milano and EMA HERITAGE (Erasmus Mundus Partnership India Europe), started with the keynote presentation by Gianluca Valenti from the Politecnico di Milano, who introduced the Hydrogen Systems and Enabling Technologies (HySET) programme. This was followed by the presentation by Maria Jose Domingues Vazquez from Universidad de Santiago de Compostela and Luke Akinremi, who introduced the European Master in Lexicography (EMLex) EM programme. Their presentations offered insights into the consortium, master programme structures, enrolment, career prospects, and international mobility.

Ena Peeva from the ISLANDS EM programme provided insights and guidance on applying for and securing the EM scholarship. Charanraj Mohan concluded the afternoon session with an overview of the EMA activities.

The session ended with a panel discussion titled “Erasmus Mundus – a vibrant & multi- cultural experience” with the previously mentioned Gianluca Valenti, Maria Jose Domingues Vazquez, Luke Akinremi, and Ena Peeva, together with Yaneris Velasquez from the Master in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development (MESD) EM programme, Jordan Hammond from Humanitas University and European Public Health Master (Europubhealth+) EM programme, and the moderator Charanraj Mohan. Several interesting and thoughtful topics on the cultural experience during an Erasmus stay, immigration and student visa renewal delays, job prospects, and validation of degree and diploma certificates after EM studies were discussed in detail.

Key takeaways

The workshop enhanced awareness of EU funding opportunities, especially the MSCA PF and Erasmus Mundus Master programmes. Attendees gained valuable insights into application requirements, proposal document and CV preparation, and interview performance for securing funding.

The session dedicated to preparing a proposal for the MSCA PF pulled many attendees’ attention. The presentation of the HySET and EMLex EM programmes also gathered wide attention. The panel discussions allowed participants to raise questions on many topics, including career options after a master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral research, degree and diploma accreditation in the home country, immigration challenges of students, and internship opportunities. Overall, the workshop delivered significant benefits to the participants and strengthened collaboration between EMA and the MCAA.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the EACEA for the grant under ESAA WP3.2.1. Heartfelt thanks to the operational units of EMA and the MCAA India Chapter. Special thanks to the volunteers of the EMOTION EM programme: Fayola Fedoria, Md Muhibur, Seemal Habib, and Virginia Clarence for assisting and volunteering in all activities during the one-day workshop.

Charanraj Mohan
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Politecnico di Milano, Italy
heritage@em-a.eu