Policy and advocacy work

At the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), we are committed to ensuring that the voice of MSCA fellows is not only heard but also acted upon. We collect evidence-based insights to understand fellows’ experiences better and address their needs. These insights are translated into concrete policy statements and recommendations to shape the future of the MSCA programme in ways that support researchers at all career stages. Through this approach, we contribute to the development of the European Research Area (ERA) while actively involving researchers in policymaking.

Our policy-related work

Collecting evidence-based insights​​

We gather direct insights from the field via surveys, focus groups, etc., to help us capture the real experiences, challenges and needs of MSCA fellows.

Shaping the future of the MSCA​

We collect and analyse feedback to translate it into concrete policy recommendations, ensuring that the MSCA continues to evolve in ways that truly support researchers at all career stages.

Engaging with the European research community​​

We participate in European-funded projects to enhance our contribution to policy dialogue and consolidate our presence within the ERA.

Connecting research to policy

​​We bridge the gap between MSCA fellows and policymakers by ensuring that researchers’ perspectives are heard at the right events by the right stakeholders.

Collaborative work is an integral part of our policy and advocacy efforts. Over the years, we have developed key connections to strengthen our presence in the European research landscape and to better represent the MSCA community. This allows us to contribute to high-level policy discussions and engage with strategic stakeholders to effectively disseminate our positions.

Our policy-related involvement

ERA Forum
Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)
International Science Council (ISC)
Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE)
European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance
Young Academies Science Advice Structure (YASAS)
Research Matters

Key topics of interest

MSCA The MCAA is deeply rooted in the MSCA programme. Therefore, we advocate for its continued excellence, inclusiveness, and impact on researchers’ careers and beyond.
Researchers’ careers We are committed to improving researcher careers by advocating for sustainable, attractive, and transparent career paths for researchers at all career stages.
Researcher mental health We advocate for better working conditions, supervision, and mental health support for researchers, recognising that well-being is a key component of a productive and sustainable research environment.
Gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion We foster gender equality and promote diversity in research by supporting fair and inclusive policies and addressing structural barriers in academia and beyond.
Research assessment We promote research assessment methods that take into account the specificities of researchers’ careers and recognise a broader range of contributions, such as collaboration, openness, and societal impact.
Science diplomacy We support and promote science diplomacy to foster international scientific collaboration, address global challenges and compete with major players, while strengthening the role of researchers in the policy dialogue.
Open Science We value and promote open science practices that enhance transparency, accessibility, and collaboration and ensure the availability of research outcomes
Research & innovation We contribute to shaping a sustainable and inclusive ERA by translating the voices of the MSCA community into concrete policy recommendations.

Read our policy statements

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Discover our surveys

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