marie curie phd fellowship

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• PhD Stories

Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship: How to apply and what to expect

• Posted by by Mónica Fernández Barcia
• 15. December 2019
• 7 minute read

Thinking about doing your PhD abroad and looking for funding? Curious about research beyond the horizon of traditional academic institutions? Then the Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship for Early Stage Researchers (ESR) in Europe might be just the right fit for you.

If you had told me, four years ago, that I would now be in Germany, about to defend my PhD thesis, I would not have believed you. For years, I was told I had no future in research. To do something else. That a PhD was not for me.

I studied in a master’s program designed to prepare me for academic research. My mind, however, was set on getting a job in industry as soon as possible. After all, I was told that research was not for me.

A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. Grace Hopper, computer science pioneer

I found the right person, the right professor, who would become my master’s thesis supervisor. He encouraged me to continue with what I wanted to do: research. He suggested a position and I ended up applying for a Marie Skłodowska -Curie PhD fellowship (an “Early Stage Researcher” or ESR position). This made all the difference.

Find Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD positions

As in my case, communication by word of mouth is often the most effective way to find an open ESR PhD position. However, you can find these positions also on websites, such as EURAXESS , MCAA Jobs , or jobs.ac.uk , or directly on the websites of the institution(s) at which the PhD training will take place.

Who can apply?

To be suited for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship, you

• must be in the first 4 years of your (full-time) research career,
• must NOT hold a PhD yet,
• must apply for a position in a European country where you did not live or work for more than 12 months in the last three years (counted from the hypothetical day of recruitment).

I carried out my studies in Spain (Bachelor and Master), with the exception of one year that I spent in France. Therefore, I qualified for the ESR position in Germany that I was interested in. I applied by sending my CV, a couple of letters of recommendation and a motivation letter.

The first step was done!

In my personal case, it didn’t take long until I heard back. This may be related to the fact that I sent my application on the day of the deadline (a bad scientific habit).

Was I nervous? Not at all – I didn’t have high expectations. At this point, I have been sending out applications for months already. But when I was invited for an interview, oh yes! That’s when I became nervous. After an intense day of interviews, I got my answer: Yes! The consequence: I have been in Germany working on my PhD thesis for the last four years. Yeah!

Starting a PhD? Then find out about the 14 things you should know before!

How the Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship works – Innovative Training Networks

I want to focus here on the great experience, but also the challenge of getting an ESR fellowship. As some of you might now, ESR fellowship positions are associated to projects, the so-called Innovative Training Networks ( ITNs ). Each ITN consists of several PhD candidates and their supervisors (from public and private institutions), who form an international network of researchers to explore a specific topic of research.

When you apply, the PhD topic is already fixed. If you accept the position, you will carry out its development. After three years of research, you present your advances in a PhD thesis. This doesn’t sound very flexible, but after some time working on my PhD, I realized that it had become my own project and that it did not matter if the initial idea was not mine.

You are part of a team

One of the greatest parts of the ESR program: you are not alone! You are part of a team of PhD students and experienced researchers from many different institutions (and countries) which are in the same situation as you are. More than that, supervisors, advisors, and trainers are part of your network.

My ITN consisted of 14 PhD candidates and me as the 15th. One month after I started working at my institution in Germany, our first project meeting took place. There, I met all these people who I would call team during the next few years .

These people were my close colleagues and many of them are still my friends today. As our project officer told us, the ITN would be our very first network and will continue to be our contact list for the future. She was so right!

Networking in conferences, workshops or trainings is difficult for many PhD students. Luckily, when you are in an ITN project, this is not a challenge at all. As part of an ITN, every few months you take part in small-sized workshops with your project team members. Experiencing your first networking situations in these workshops makes things easier when you have to go to larger conferences or workshops later on. If you need a little extra help for outside, you may even take part in workshops about “Networking at conferences”.

Scientific Support

Regarding science, the support in an ITN is unbelievable. From the very beginning, my network was in place to exchange ideas and support. Each PhD candidate presented their work and progress in every meeting. We discussed any problems or solutions to scientific problems and were sharing experiences about different techniques and materials. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Personal Development and Soft Skill Training

At each of our meetings, in addition to presenting our work and learning about science from experts in the fields, we also had the opportunity to improve our soft skills. You might know the unsettling feeling of being in front of a blank page that is supposed to become an article, an abstract or even an understandable poster. Your ITN will help you figure out how these things work.

Regarding the training in soft skills during these years, my fourteen colleagues and I found ourselves in a situation of great advantage. We had an opportunity that is often hard to come by in common doctoral programs: Trainings about paper writing, poster preparation, oral talks, or other workshops and language courses (for the country you worked in) were covered for us.

Overcoming my fear of public speaking

Three years later, I realized that I had overcome my fear of speaking in public with the help of my program (although not yet completely). The funny thing about it: When I started my PhD, public speaking in English was a real torture for me. Nowadays, studying and learning more about the art of presenting has become one of my hobbies.

Challenges of living abroad

Until here, the experience of doing a PhD as a part of an ITN project must sound great. And it is! Good training, big network, nice people, team spirit… What is usually overlooked, however, are the challenges that ESR fellows need to overcome – some of them every day.

Living abroad is exciting, but can also be difficult to handle. After all, you leave behind your family, your friends, and your comfort zone. English as a language gets you far and is more than enough to handle interactions in academia. But when you move to a country where the spoken language is not English, you will face language difficulties every day.

Facing a new culture, as in my case, may also become a challenge. On the positive side, however, you will end up learning a new language and understanding a new culture, which will be an experience that you can cherish forever .

Secondments: Challenges (and perks) of living abroad TWICE

As part of the program, you will be required to do one or more secondments – research stays in a partner institution abroad where you perform experiments or studies that are not possible in your main institution.

Therefore, be prepared for the challenges of living abroad twice (or even three times). Travelling this much can be hard for some people, but it is part of the program after all – if you accept the position, you accept this part, too.

While you just got used to one new place, one new country, you now go abroad for a few months again. But this is not a bad thing! Every country has its own way of working, of organizing, and of socializing. You will learn new ways of doing things, new ways of thinking, and you will return to your main institution with new results that enrich your research and your personal experience.

Time is moving fast with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship

As an ESR fellow, you have 3 years to finish your doctorate, while you have to travel (for work of course – what would science be without conference and networking?), to publish, to attend courses, and maybe to take exams. You may want to visit friends and family back home from time to time. Also, you may want to have a bit of a social and private life.

Sometimes, managing your time to get all of these things done seems impossible. With this come tiredness, lack of sleep, stress and many other feelings that I am sure you know well enough. For my part, I could handle it sometimes better, sometimes worse, depending on the day you caught me. Outside home, everything becomes a little harder.

To not get overwhelmed with your tasks, maybe try our tricks for better focus and PhD time management .

A last note

I hope this text helps you to get an idea of what it means to get a “Marie Curie” ESR position. Even though it presents its own challenges (as any other PhD program does), the ESR fellowship is probably one of the best opportunities you can find to do a doctorate.

It offers, in my opinion, the best conditions you can imagine to carry out a PhD.

For me, there were some obstacles I had to overcome. Still, I grew as a person, made new friends and learned a lot (including a new language). I am happy that I applied all these years ago. In the end it all comes down to a great experience and a lot of lessons learned.

About the Author

Mónica Fernández Barcia started a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship 4 years ago. Originally from Salamanca in Spain, she is now in her fourth PhD year in Materials Science at the Technical University of Dresden and about to defend her thesis about electrosynthesis of (bio-)degradable materials.

Mónica’s journey began as a student, when she moved to France for an exchange year and realized that studying abroad could bring her a lot of new experiences and knowledge. She decided to do her PhD in Germany, where many challenges were awaiting: a new language, a new environment, and a new field of research. Mónica found a lot of support in her doctoral program and wants to share her experience with you.

What about you? Are you doing a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship or another international PhD program? What are your experiences? Any advice for newcomers? Share them in the comments below!

19 Comments

Great piece! Just a remark: It’s EURAXESS, not EUROAXESS. Congrats on the PhD!

Thanks Daniel! Good catch, we corrected it.

Hi dear, your article is just magnificent! May be this is a bit less challenging for students of western side. For east students even if they think they are capable to be a part of it, still have to deal with a lot of mess which technically previlige for the students from the developed countries.

Thanks for the comment! I hope you found the article useful.

Hi dear, your article is just magnificent! May be this is a bit less challenging for students from the western side. For east students even if they think they are capable to be a part of it, still have to deal with a lot of mess which is technically a previlige for the students from the developed countries.

Hello, I was wondering if tuition fees are covered as part of the Marie Curie ESR fellowship?

Hi Dee, please check this link:

https://ec.europa.eu/assets/eac/msca/funded-projects/how-to-manage/funded-projects/how-to-manage/general_documents/frequently_asked_questions_to_the_marie_curie_actions_financial_guidelines.pdf

You will find a better answer.

Nice article, I enjoyed reading it!

What kind of questions did they ask her during the interview (personal, academic, etc? How can someone be prepared for the interview? How long did it take? Is it a groupal interview?

Nice to hear that you enjoyed it!

Unfortunately, there is not a single answer to your questions. It is something that depends on a lot of the research group and group leader.

It exists the possibility of a group interview and an individual interview. In my case, it was individual and took many hours since I travelled to Dresden to do the interview and I had the chance to know the Institute, the labs, etc.

The preparation for the interview would be like in any other case or position. What are your studies, your motivation, your skills, both technical and soft skills, why a PhD, your previous experience… But again it depends on what the responsible person of the position is looking for.

I hope you can find this answer helpful.

Monica, thank you most graciously. Did you take some course work or it is just a full research PhD. Also, could you give some advice on interview preparation. Thanks

Hi Hammed! Glad that you like the post. The Ph.D. itself, to get the Dr degree, really depends on the university and their programs, there are countries where you have to teach, others where you have to do some credits, others where you have to pass some exams. This is something completely independent of the Marie Curie fellowship.

Regarding the interview preparation, nothing different than you would do for any other interview. Preparing for it in advance is a must. Take a look at the group and the institution offering the position. Take a look at the project and not just the position you are applying for. In the end, the interview is very personal and depends on your future boss.

I hope it can help you.

Congratulations on finishing the thesis! As someone about to start my journey as an ESR, I found this article quite insightful. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. 🙂

Best wishes, Chinmaya

Hi Chinmaya,

Thanks for your nice words!

I hope you had a good start as an ESR fellow 🙂 and that you enjoy the path.

Best, Monica

Hello Monica,

A very well crafted amalgam of your experiences. It really does set the right expectations for someone like me, who is about to start a new chapter of my life as an ESR at TU Darmstadt this year. With COVID still prevalent, wonder how the experiences would be different! 🙂

Congratulations on your Doctorate!

It is not until now that I have been able to read this comment. I’m glad to know that you found this article interesting in your situation and I hope that your beginning as a PhD student was good.

I wish you all the best!

Hi!!! Thank you, I really enjoy this piece!!! I love this job and I’m sure that I want to take this kind of direction and to continue my career in research. I’m sorry to bother you but I’d like to ask you some questions. How frequently were you able to go home to family? Is it possible to match that with this job? And how about the salary/quality of life ratio?

I hope everything went well!

Hi Valeria!

really happy to hear that this article is still helping people.

If you are sure this is your direction, go for it!

Regarding your questions, I must say that this is a really personal matter. You can visit your family as much as you want, it only depends on how many holidays your institution gives you and how you organize them. In my case, this was never a problem. I went home many times per year.

Again regarding the salary, the answer is not straightforward. The salary depends on the country. I would say the ratio of salary/life quality is pretty good. But this always depends on personal expenses and self-organisation. In my personal opinion, I would dare to say that economic issues would not be a problem, when accepting this type of fellowship.

I hope this could help you.

Hi Monica, great post and congratulations! I have just been offered an ESR position starting in October. My question is: How far in advance did you receive the employment contract? Does funding start after your first month? Are you paid by your institution or by MCA? Is the amount exactly as stated in the MCA documents?

Thanks in advance,

Thanks for this great article. Still I thought of taking your specific guidance. For your kind information, I’m from India and I started my PhD on 5th of June, 2023 in Prague, Czech republic. I’m curious to know if I’m eligible to apply for the upcoming call. Thank you in advance.

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Horizon Europe: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

“The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions were crucial at the beginning of my career in Sweden”

Under Horizon Europe ’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Commission funds research and innovation projects to boost top researchers’ careers through mobility and innovative doctoral and postdoctoral training. Find out more in this video  and factsheets, as well as the MSCA Work Programme:

• Factsheet MSCA: Developing Talents, Advancing Research
• Factsheet MSCA: Almost 30 years of European support to researchers
• MSCA Work Programme 2023-25

Following feedback from various stakeholders, there are a number of changes to the MSCA under Horizon Europe (2021-2027), compared to the previous programme Horizon 2020 (2014-2020). Please consult this page to discover the differences.

Should you be interested in  ERA Fellowships , which build on the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 action, please consult our  Widening participation and spreading excellence  webpage.

Funding opportunities

Next call for proposals opens on 29 May 2024

Next call for proposals opens on 23 April 2024

Next call for proposals opens on 19 September 2024

Next call for proposals opens in 2025

The next MSCA4Ukraine call will open in May 2024.

Apply for funding

Information on eligibility for MSCA fellowships and project funding

Overview of the application process, guidance and templates

Resources and contact points to help you prepare your proposal

What you should comply with when applying for funding and implementing your project

What to comply with when applying for funding and implementing your project

How to manage your project / fellowship

Guidelines on the contractual management of your project and reporting

Tips and requirements on communicating your project

Advice and resources on how to disseminate and exploit your project results

Projects and results

• News article
• 24 April 2024

Discover some of the EU-funded projects that have contributed to the research and innovation scene following the 2004 EU enlargement.

• 23 April 2024

Postdoctoral Fellowships offer researchers holding a PhD the opportunity to gain new skills and experience while carrying out their own research project abroad. The deadline to apply is 11 September 2024.

COFUND gives organisations a unique opportunity to attract talent through their own doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programmes.

• Press release

Today, the Commission announced new calls worth over €1.25 billion to support research under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), part of the EU research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe.

• Conferences and summits
• Exhibitions
• Brussels, Belgium

Publications

• General publications
• 14 March 2024
• European Research Executive Agency

After their fellowship, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fellows are requested to complete two short surveys covering various issues including their integration within the host institution and the impact of the fellowship on their skills development, career and employability.

• 22 December 2023

Information note for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellows in postdoctoral fellowships

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchanges

• 20 November 2023

Boost your research career - Come to Europe!

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• How To Get A Marie Curie Fellowship – A Complete Guide
• Funding a PhD

Getting a research fellowship goes beyond monetary grants and funding. A comprehensive fellowship program looks at your overall growth. You gain invaluable exposure through cross-border knowledge exchange and cross-sector mobility. You network extensively with like-minded researchers, and at the end, you develop employable skills that create breakthroughs in your field of work.

If you have been looking for a PhD grant that supports these ambitious dreams, the Marie Curie Fellowship could be for you. In this guide, you will find information on its funding, eligibility criteria and application process that will help you understand the grant and submit a successful fellowship application.

Marie Curie PhD Grant – What You Should Know?

The Marie Curie PhD grant is offered by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), a research support group created by the European Union (EU). The grant offers well-remunerated fellowship opportunities at top research facilities across Europe. It also provides excellent exposure to working in both academic and non-academic sectors.

Besides funding, the Marie Curie Individual Fellowships encourage communication, dissemination, and public engagement to facilitate independent thinking and leadership qualities. Every researcher goes through a series of training, seminars and workshops directed towards widening their research competencies.

At its core, the Marie Curie Fellowship aims to provide the following,

• Take multidisciplinary approaches to individual research and innovation.
• Empower researchers to respond to current and future challenges in their field.
• Allow researchers to have exposure to both academic and non-academic areas.
• Translate theoretical knowledge into tangible products and services.
• Develop research experience and employable skills transferable across industries and sectors.

Ultimately, the mission is to have researchers move from being academically centred to being better prepared for employability in public and private sectors.

You can hear about the experiences of past Marie Curie Individual Fellowship researchers in the below video interview:

Marie Curie Fellowship Activities & Training Program

The fellowship makes sure that its activities aren’t limited to monetary exchange. Instead, it takes a holistic and result-driven approach to research. Therefore, even though researchers in different fields set out on different tangents, they all go through a series of general activities which includes the following:

Career Development Plan

Every individual researcher works in tandem with the supervisor to sketch out a career development plan that defines their research objectives.

It also plans out their training program in a way that aligns with their career needs. Besides these core objectives, a career development plan schedules the production of research publications and conference participation.

Along with attending conferences, researchers get multiple networking opportunities to grow their network such as,

• Engaging in workshops.
• Being a part of network meetings.
• Collaborating with other individual researchers.
• Meeting with participating organisations and beneficiaries to understand their objectives.

At the end of the training period, every researcher must organise a networking event where they share their research outcomes and forge strong partnerships with fellow researchers.

Public Engagement

After you have successfully published your research, it is time to publicise your work. The Marie Curie fellowship allows you to promote your work in front of the public, raising awareness about the research you have done. This not only gets the word out but also allows people to understand the impact of your research on society.

Public engagement forums can take the form of conferences, presentations at schools and universities and participation in research festivals.

One such noteworthy event is the European Researchers’ Night (NIGHT) which is held in September, all across Europe. The event is organised to encourage young minds to take an interest in academia and pursue a successful career in it.

Marie Curie Fellowship Eligibility

The Marie Curie Fellowship accepts PhD applications across all disciplines, irrespective of nationalities. The beneficiaries and partner organisations assign projects for every training network beforehand. Prospective students need to look out for a project that interests them and submit an application.

The eligibility criteria for most projects are as follows,

• Relevant Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification that demonstrates your suitability to undertake a doctoral degree.
• Transcript of grades.
• CV showcasing previous work experience and publications.
• Cover letter explaining why your candidature is the best fit for that project.
• Letter of recommendation or two contact references.
• Certificate of language proficiency, if required by the particular discipline.

Marie Curie Fellowship Funding

Most of your expenses are financed throughout the duration of your project. The funding covers the full cost of accommodation and travel. Besides that, you are also given a monthly living allowance.

Depending on your financial conditions, you may also apply for ‘Family Allowance’ and ‘Mobility Allowance’.

Monthly Living Allowance

Beneficiaries pay you living allowance every month in instalments. The allowance depends upon the country you will study and work in. However, for fellowships starting in 2020, this can be up to €4,880 per month.

Mobility Allowance

The costs that include your travel and other related expenses fall under mobility allowance. For fellowships starting in 2020, this can be up to €600 per month.

Family Allowance

Applicants are eligible for a €500 per month family allowance if they have a family, regardless of whether the family moves with them.

Having a family is proven by one of the following,

• Marriage certificate.
• A formal relationship status which stands equal to that of marriage in another region or country.
• Dependent children.

Marie Curie Fellowship Successful Application – Getting Started

The race to getting a PhD grant is highly competitive. Submitting a well-written proposal is not enough to make the cut. What you need to understand is the priorities of the European Commission and the thinking philosophy of the evaluators.

Structure of Application

The proposal comprises two parts – Administrative form (Part A) & Research proposal (Part B)

I) General information

Write the title of the proposal and define a project acronym. You should also include keywords related to your project and a 2000-character abstract for this section.

II) Administrative data of participating organisations

Specify contact information of the host department and the supervisor. Also, add your own information along with your Researcher ID, if you have one.

III) Budget

Once you fill in the duration of your project, cost to the researcher and the host institution, the budget is calculated automatically.

Ethics assessment is a self-declaration. It requires the applicants to fill in an “ethics issue table”.

I) Excellence

Shed light on the quality, originality and credibility of your research. It should start with an introduction, a description, research aim and an overview of the action. You should also mention the research methodology and approach.

Explain how your research will help make advancement in your field. Explore the mutual benefit opportunity you and your host organisation will receive.

Explore the level of impact that your project will have, first on your research career and second on the European economy and society.

Your proposal should also demonstrate that your project will help advance research and make the research profession popular in the mainstream career.

III) Implementation

This section deals with the allocation of tasks and resources regarding project deliverables and milestones.

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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships

Research Fellowship Program

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) support researchers at all stages of their careers, regardless of age and nationality. Researchers working across all disciplines are eligible for funding.

The MPI CEC is hosting Post-Doc Fellows within the Marie Curie Fellowship Program with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) .

MSCA Individual Fellowships offer attractive funding for post-doctoral projects in and outside of Europe. Interested postdoctoral researchers should show profound interests in the field of Chemical Energy Conversion and should be interested in working interdisciplinary on the research priorities in the departments.

If you are interested in a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship please contact Dr. Marion Tiedtke .

Detailed information

The Individual Fellowships are a great option if you are an experienced researcher looking to give your career a boost by working abroad. Applicants need a doctoral degree or at least four years’ full-time research experience by the time of the call deadline. You can apply for a research stay of 1 to 3 years.

The grant provides an allowance to cover living, travel and family costs. In addition, the EU contributes to the training, networking and research costs of the fellow, as well as to the management and indirect costs of the project. The grant is awarded to the host organization, usually a university, research center or a company in Europe.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions were established by the European Commission to promote, among other things, transnational and intersectoral mobility and career development of researchers and to increase the attractiveness of scientific careers. Since 2014, MSCA actions are funded through the Framework Program for Research and Innovation "Horizon 2020".

Further information on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: European Commission - Research Fellowship Programme

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024: Six steps to prepare your application

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call for applications will open on  23 April 2024  and close on  11 September 2024, 17.00, CEST.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, get new skills and develop their careers in all fields of research.

They give outstanding postdoctoral researchers the possibility to work on their own projects while receiving training and supervision to enhance their skills and boost their careers.

These prestigious fellowships are also a stepping stone in researchers’ careers, as they allow them to strengthen research cooperation with leading scientific teams and figures worldwide.

If you are considering applying for Postdoctoral Fellowships, here are some useful tips and guidance to start preparing your proposal.

Step 1: Get familiar with how funding works

Have a look at the  Postdoctoral Fellowships  page and key resources for an introduction to the scheme’s characteristics and opportunities.

Consult the   MSCA Work Programme  and  annexes  for all details about the call conditions.

Step 2: Make sure you can apply

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to postdoctoral researchers from all over the world that

• hold a PhD degree on the closing date for applications. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree are also eligible to apply
• years of experience outside research and career breaks
• years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe
• comply with mobility rules: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships), or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline

Some exceptions and specific conditions apply.

Have a look at the following resources to verify your eligibility

• The Guide for Applicants (available soon) is the best starting point for any researcher interested in the scheme
• This guide  will help you avoid the most common mistakes in Postdoctoral Fellowships proposals
• To check your research experience, REA has prepared a  Self-assessment tool  and  guidelines on the calculation of 8-years research experience in Postdoctoral Fellowships under Horizon Europe
• Proposal templates, evaluation guidelines used by experts and  many other resources
• Postdoctoral Fellowships Handbook and resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal also offers a set of  Frequently Asked Questions

If you are still uncertain about your eligibility,  MSCA National Contact Points  can help you go through the criteria and, in some cases, do a pre-submission check of your application.

Step 3: Find a host organisation and supervisor

Organisations from all socioeconomic sectors in any country can host an MSCA postdoctoral fellow – although conditions differ depending on the modality you are applying to. This includes

• higher education institutions
• research centres and infrastructures
• private sector organisations, including industry, businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises
• public sector organisations, including national, regional, and local governments, agencies, and museums
• certain international organisations, bodies and research institutions
• other organisations such as NGOs, foundations, charities, etc.

Organisations based in third countries that are not associated to the Horizon Europe programme can host researchers for Global Fellowships and for short-term secondments (see specific conditions in the MSCA Work Programme). If you are not sure whether a country is associated to Horizon Europe, have a look at the  list of participating countries to Horizon Europe .

As of January 2024, the United Kingdom is associated to the Horizon Europe programme. United Kingdom organisations will therefore be able to host researchers,  apply and receive funding  under this year’s call under the same conditions as EU Member States and other countries associated to Horizon Europe.

If you do not yet have a host organisation in mind or are still looking for a secondment or a placement host, the following resources may help you find your match

• MSCA Matchmaking platform
• Euraxess hosting offers
• Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal  (see “Partner Search Announcements”)

If you are looking for a non-academic host or seeking advice for research-business collaboration, reach out to the  European Enterprise Network ’s contact points.

If you are applying for a standard European Fellowship with a host from a Widening Country, you will have the opportunity  to opt in to  the 2024  ERA Fellowships call  when submitting your proposal. Around 50 ERA Fellowships will be awarded to excellent applicants who were not selected under the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships call, due to budget constraints.  

Access the list of eligible host countries under ERA Fellowships

Step 4: Start drafting your application

To draft a successful application, you will need to work together with your supervisor in your future host organisation and stick to the award criteria. 

Here are some useful resources for drafting your application and understand how it will be assessed

• Award Criteria and budget structure ( MSCA Work Programme , p.95)           
• Application form (coming soon on the  Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024  call page)
• Evaluation forms
• Gender dimension and inclusiveness ( p. 16-20 )
• Dissemination and exploitation of research ( p. 31-39 )
• Open science ( p. 40-55 ) 
• Sustainability: in line with the green objectives of the European Union, projects are strongly encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in line with the  MSCA Green Charter  and report on their efforts in that direction. Read  useful tips and guidance  to increase the sustainability of projects.
• how to evaluate Open Science in Horizon Europe proposals .
• how to evaluate dissemination, exploitation, and communication
• how to evaluate strategy for intellectual property management

You can also attend dedicated webinars, matchmaking events, bootcamps and hands-on workshops to help you prepare your application.  MSCA National Contact Points  and  Euraxess  organise webinars regularly. Contact them to find out the next sessions planned. 

Your future host organisation may also have dedicated training.

Step 5: Check your application with the experts

Your supervisor and your host organisation are your first contact points, but if you want to receive feedback on your draft and get advice from former applicants and experts you can also reach out to

• the  MSCA National Contact Point  in your future host country
• the  Marie Curie Alumni Association  has an active network of former awardees ready to help you in the drafting of your proposal. The association also organises regular training for future applicants
• some host organisations may also have resources to verify your application

Step 6: Submit your application

The Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call for applications will open on 23 April 2024 and close on 11 September 2024, 17.00, CEST. 

During this period, you can prepare and submit your application and learn more about the submission process on the  call page on the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Porta l and through the portal’s  online manual .

To avoid last-minute problems, submit your proposal as early as possible before the deadline expires . You can update, download, or withdraw your proposal up until the deadline.

The European Research Executive Agency’s website provides an overview of the evaluation process on .

The evaluation process takes approximately 5 months and the results should therefore be announced in the course of February 2025.

INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS DISCOVERY

• External and International Partners
• Functional Coatings
• Nanomaterials
• Spintronic and Magnetic Materials
• Structural Coatings
• UCL Materials Community

2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

24 April 2024

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2024 are now open. 

If you're intrigued by the prospect of joining us at UCL's Institute for Materials Discovery through an MSCA Fellowship, delve into the realm of materials science with us! Together, within our institute's dynamic environment, we aim to pioneer innovative solutions, leveraging cutting-edge research to address the pressing challenges of materials science towards advancing technology, sustainability, and global progress.

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Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowships

European Union

European Commission

Postdoctoral researchers of any nationality can enhance their qualifications and diversify their competences by conducting a research project at a host institution (universities, research institutions, companies or international organisations) in Germany (or another EU member state or associated country).

Who can apply?

Researchers who

• completed their PhD
• have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research at the call deadline 
• have not resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline (MSCA mobility rule)

Type and extent of funding

Employment contract (usually full-time) with a monthly salary consisting of living and mobility allowances and, if applicable, a family allowance. Host institutions receive funds for research, training, networking, management and indirect costs.

12 to 24 months. If justified in the proposal, an additional period of up to 6 months can be awarded to researchers who will spend that period in a non-academic organisation established in an EU member state or associated country.

Application

Applications must be submitted online by the host institution and the researcher through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowships are advertised once a year. For more information see links below.

www.nks-msc.de

www.kowi.eu

Host offers from German institutions

EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Find all funding programmes and tenders managed by different EU bodies here.

OUR MINISTER

Dr. Joseph Lozovyy was born into a Christian family in Elektrostal, Moscow Region, and was raised in a pastor’s home. From the age of fifteen, he began actively participating in the music ministry of the Baptist Church in Mytishchi, where his father served as a pastor, and also played in the orchestra of the Central Moscow Baptist Church. From 1989, he participated in various evangelistic events in different cities of Moscow Region and beyond. From 1989 to 1992, as a member of the choir and orchestra “LOGOS,” he participated in evangelistic and charitable concerts, repeatedly performing on the stages of the Moscow State Conservatory, the Bolshoi Theatre, and other concert halls in Russia and abroad. In 1992, his family moved to the United States. In 2007, after completing a full course of spiritual and academic preparation, Joseph moved to Dallas, Texas, to engage in church ministry. In 2008, he founded the Russian Bible Church to preach to the Russian-speaking population living in Dallas, Texas.

– Bachelor of Arts in Music (viola) from the Third Moscow Music School named after Scriabin, Russia (1987-1991)

– Master of Theology (Th.M); Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas (1999-2003);

– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Hebrew Bible (Books of Samuel): University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (2007).

– Doctoral research (2004-2005) Tübingen, Germany.

– Author of a theological work published in English: Saul, Doeg, Nabal and the “Son of Jesse: Readings in 1 Samuel 16-25, LHBOTS 497 [T&T Clark/Continuum: Bloomsbury Publishing]).

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/saul-doeg-nabal-and-the-son-of-jesse-9780567027535/

Joseph and his wife Violetta and their son Nathanael live in the northern part of Dallas.

Saul, Doeg, Nabal, and the “Son of Jesse”: Readings in 1 Samuel 16-25: The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies Joseph Lozovyy T&T Clark (bloomsbury.com)

Joseph, his wife Violetta and their son Nathaniel live in North Dallas, Texas where he continues ministering to Russian-speaking Christians and his independent accademic research.

Published Work

1. bloomsbury:, 2. buy at christian book distributors:, 3. buy on amazon:.

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• 30/30 WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS

I was born and raised in a working-class city, Elektrostal, Moscow region. I received a higher education in television in Moscow. I studied to be a documentary photographer. My vision of the aesthetics of the frame was significantly influenced by the aesthetics of my city – the endless forests and swamps of the Moscow region with endless factories, typical architecture and a meagre color palette. In this harsh world, people live and work, raise children, grow geranium, throw parties and live trouble, run a ski cross. They are the main characters of my photo projects.

I study a person in a variety of circumstances. We blog with friends with stories of such people. We are citizen journalists. In my works, I touch upon the topics of homelessness, people’s attitude to their bodies, sexual objectification, women’s work, alienation and living conditions of different people. The opportunity to communicate with my characters gives me a sense of belonging and modernity of life.

My photos create the effect of presence, invisible observation of people. I don’t interfere with what’s going on, I’m taking the place of an outside observer. I’m a participant in exhibitions in Rome (Loosenart Gallery), Collaborated with the Russian Geographical Community.

30 Under 30 Women Photographers 2021

• --> --> Alec Soth Photographer Featured Profile Alec Soth’s work is rooted in the distinctly American tradition of ‘on-the-road photography’ developed by Walker Evans , Robert Frank , and Stephen Shore . From Huckleberry Finn to Easy Rider there seems to be a uniquely American desire to travel and chronicle the adventures that consequently ensue. (more…) Show Post > See Full Profile >
• --> --> Bill Phelps Photographer Featured Profile Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bill Phelps has built an impressive career despite having no formal art training, lending his talents to Italian Vogue , French Marie Claire, Conde Nast Traveller UK, The New York Times Magazine, Fortune, and Interview (more…) Show Post > See Full Profile >
• --> --> Allan Sekula: Fish Story Aug 24, 2023 – Jun 21, 2024 Walker Art Center Minneapolis, USA Photographer, theorist, and critic Allan Sekula (US, 1951–2013) is known for photographs and essays that blend researched, descriptive realism with emotionally impactful narrative. His photography actively engages ideas around labor, capitalism, and Marxist theory, providing complex and poignant critiques about social reality. (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Circulation(s) 2024 Apr 6 – Jun 2, 2024 Circulation(s) / Centquatre-Paris Paris, France The 14th edition of the Circulation(s) festival once again resonates with the pulsations and demands of emerging European photography. This year’s selection is punctuated by an unprecedented fluidity and an ever-stronger predilection for experimentation. (more…) Show Post > See Full Article >
• --> --> RaMell Ross: Spell, Time, Practice, American, Body Publication Mack International “I may pay rent to a friend for my place in Greensboro, but the South’s my landlord; and I’m trapped in its stomach trying to get to its brain. Here, I see butterflies with Confederate flag-grown wings and minstrel vestiges of Daddy Rice collecting dough. I can’t move because I’m stuck in Aunt Jemima’s syrup.” (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> The Second Glance: Women Oct 31, 2021 – Extended Bode-Museum Berlin, Germany Women is the second integrated exhibition in the series The Second Glance , and was produced in collaboration with the organisation Frauentreff Olga, a drop-in and counselling centre for drug-using women, trans women, and sex workers. The show analyses the traditional gender roles and challenges the functions ascribed to women in society (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Chris Killip. A Retrospective Feb 22 – May 19, 2024 Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Eschborn, Germany We are honouring the work of influential British photographer Chris Killip (1946-2020) with a comprehensive retrospective. Killip poignantly documented the lives of people in the north of England, who were particularly affected by the economic shifts of the 1970s and 1980s. His portraits, landscapes and architectural photographs show both the consequences and challenges of deindustrialisation and those brought on by the political changes in the wake of Margaret Thatcher’s accession to power in 1979. (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Fotografiska Photography Center Featured Profile Fotografiska is an international meeting place where everything revolves around photography. Located in the heart of Stockholm, with additional locations in New York, London and Tallinn (more…) Show Post > See Full Profile >
• --> --> Andi Galdi Vinko: Sorry I Gave Birth… Publication Trolley Books International Andi Galdi Vinko: “For a very long time motherhood was considered somewhat taboo in the art world. As long as I can remember, female role models I admired openly talked about their choice of career over family. Some might have had children but never talked about their insecurities or sacrifices. Artist and talent awards age limits usually are 35 or younger. (more…) Show Post >

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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Next postdoctoral fellowships call opening soon: 6 steps to prepare your application.

These tips and tricks will help you find the best host organisation and prepare a successful proposal.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, get new skills and develop their careers in all fields of research.

They give outstanding postdoctoral researchers the possibility to work on their own projects while receiving training and supervision to enhance their skills and boost their careers.

These prestigious fellowships are also a stepping stone in researchers’ careers, as they allow them to strengthen research cooperation with leading scientific teams and figures worldwide.

If you are considering applying for Postdoctoral Fellowships, here are some useful tips and guidance to start preparing your proposal.

Step 1: Get familiar with how funding works

Have a look at the  Postdoctoral Fellowships page and key resources for an introduction to the scheme’s characteristics and opportunities.

Consult the  MSCA Work Programme and  annexes for all details about the call conditions.

Step 2: Make sure you can apply

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to postdoctoral researchers from all over the world that

• hold a PhD degree on the closing date for applications. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree are also eligible to apply
• years of experience outside research and career breaks
• years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe
• comply with mobility rules: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships), or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline

Some exceptions and specific conditions apply.

Have a look at the following resources to verify your eligibility

• The Guide for Applicants (available soon) is the best starting point for any researcher interested in the scheme
• This guide will help you avoid the most common mistakes in Postdoctoral Fellowships proposals
• To check your research experience, REA has prepared a  Self-assessment tool and  guidelines on the calculation of 8-years research experience in Postdoctoral Fellowships under Horizon Europe
• Proposal templates, evaluation guidelines used by experts and  many other resources
• Postdoctoral Fellowships Handbook and resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal also offers a set of  Frequently Asked Questions

If you are still uncertain about your eligibility,  MSCA National Contact Points can help you go through the criteria and, in some cases, do a pre-submission check of your application.

Step 3: Find a host organisation and supervisor

Organisations from all socioeconomic sectors in any country can host an MSCA postdoctoral fellow – although conditions differ depending on the modality you are applying to. This includes

• higher education institutions
• research centres and infrastructures
• private sector organisations, including industry, businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises
• public sector organisations, including national, regional, and local governments, agencies, and museums
• certain international organisations, bodies and research institutions
• other organisations such as NGOs, foundations, charities, etc.

Organisations based in third countries that are not associated to the Horizon Europe programme can host researchers for Global Fellowships and for short-term secondments (see specific conditions in the MSCA Work Programme). If you are not sure whether a country is associated to Horizon Europe, have a look at the  list of participating countries to Horizon Europe .

As of January 2024, the United Kingdom is associated to the Horizon Europe programme. United Kingdom organisations will therefore be able to host researchers,  apply and receive funding  under this year’s call under the same conditions as EU Member States and other countries associated to Horizon Europe.

If you do not yet have a host organisation in mind or are still looking for a secondment or a placement host, the following resources may help you find your match

• MSCA Matchmaking platform
• Euraxess hosting offers
• Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal (see “Partner Search Announcements”)

If you are looking for a non-academic host or seeking advice for research-business collaboration, reach out to the  European Enterprise Network ’s contact points.

If you are applying for a standard European Fellowship with a host from a Widening Country, you will have the opportunity  to opt in to  the 2024  ERA Fellowships call when submitting your proposal. Around 50 ERA Fellowships will be awarded to excellent applicants who were not selected under the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships call, due to budget constraints.  

Access the list of eligible host countries under ERA Fellowships

Step 4: Start drafting your application

To draft a successful application, you will need to work together with your supervisor in your future host organisation and stick to the award criteria. 

Here are some useful resources for drafting your application and understand how it will be assessed

• Award Criteria and budget structure ( MSCA Work Programme , p.95)           
• Application form (coming soon on the  Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call page)
• Evaluation forms
• Gender dimension and inclusiveness ( p. 16-20 )
• Dissemination and exploitation of research ( p. 31-39 )
• Open science ( p. 40-55 ) 
• Sustainability: in line with the green objectives of the European Union, projects are strongly encouraged to adopt sustainable practices in line with the MSCA Green Charter and report on their efforts in that direction. Read useful tips and guidance to increase the sustainability of projects.
• how to evaluate Open Science in Horizon Europe proposals .
• how to evaluate dissemination, exploitation, and communication
• how to evaluate strategy for intellectual property management

You can also attend dedicated webinars, matchmaking events, bootcamps and hands-on workshops to help you prepare your application. MSCA National Contact Points and Euraxess organise webinars regularly. Contact them to find out the next sessions planned. 

Your future host organisation may also have dedicated training.

Step 5: Check your application with the experts

Your supervisor and your host organisation are your first contact points, but if you want to receive feedback on your draft and get advice from former applicants and experts you can also reach out to

• the  MSCA National Contact Point in your future host country
• the  Marie Curie Alumni Association has an active network of former awardees ready to help you in the drafting of your proposal. The association also organises regular training for future applicants
• some host organisations may also have resources to verify your application

Step 6: Submit your application

The Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call for applications will open on 23 April 2024 and close on 11 September 2024, 17.00, CEST. 

During this period, you can prepare and submit your application and learn more about the submission process on the call page on the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Porta l and through the portal’s online manual .

To avoid last-minute problems, submit your proposal as early as possible before the deadline expires . You can update, download, or withdraw your proposal up until the deadline.

The European Research Executive Agency’s website provides an overview of the evaluation process on .

The evaluation process takes approximately 5 months and the results should therefore be announced in the course of February 2025.

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• Victor Mukhin

Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

Title : Active carbons as nanoporous materials for solving of environmental problems

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