EURAXESS Smart Talks
The EURAXESS Smart Talks podcast for talents is your personal guide to Research Careers, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commision. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
EURAXESS Smart Talks
Actionable Advice for MSCA Applicants - Part 1
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are the European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers. MSCA support research excellence, mobility, and collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines. They offer funding for doctoral training, postdoctoral fellowships, staff exchanges, and co-funded programs, fostering career development at all stages. MSCA strengthens the European Research Area by promoting knowledge transfer and building global networks between academia, industry, and society, making it a cornerstone of EU research and innovation policy.
In part 1 of this two-part series on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, we have the pleasure of interviewing Veronique Sordet- former MSCA National Contact Point in Switzerland and member of the MSCA-NET coordination team. We will dive into what makes MSCA so impactful for researchers and hear practical advice for those looking to apply for MSCA funding opportunities.
So starting the process of applying for MSA funding can seem daunting, but break it into manageable steps.
SPEAKER_01Hello, and welcome to Euroxess Smart Talks.
SPEAKER_00The Smart Talks Podcast Series is an EU-funded Euro Access project, which provides information and assistance to researchers at any career stage. We support researchers in mobility, careers within and beyond academia, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
SPEAKER_01We strive to enhance scientific collaboration between Europe and the world.
SPEAKER_00Today we're talking about Maurice Skrodovska Curie Actions, the EU's flagship funding program for researchers. We are delighted to host Veronique Sorday. Veronique is the Maurice Skudovska Curie Actions national contact point in Switzerland and member of the MSCA net coordination team working to connect national contact points. We'll cover the basics of MSCA, receive practical advice to secure funding, and hear what makes these fellowships such a game changer for researchers.
SPEAKER_02Thank you very much for welcoming me. I will be happy to answer your question as a national contact point for Marisko Doska Curie Action in Switzerland.
SPEAKER_00Veronique, could you give us a short overview of Mariska Curie Actions program? Um, and then maybe also discuss some possibilities for researchers, especially in the early stages of their career.
SPEAKER_02Sure. So the Mariska Doska Curie Action or the MSA is a funding program by the Operan Union aimed at supporting researcher training and career development for researchers at all stages, including young researchers. The MSA offers various opportunities for young researchers to engage in international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral research projects to gain experience and develop skills necessary for a successful research career. Some of the key possibilities and benefits that the MSA program provides for young researchers are research funding, first, the MSA offers several types of fellowship, such as the postdoctoral fellowships, called the PF, and the doctoral network, which provides funding for young researchers to undertake research projects at host institutions across Europe and beyond. Then the international mobility. Young researchers have the opportunity to gain international research by experience, by working in different countries and institutions, fostering collaboration and exchange of knowledge. And then something that is quite unique in this funding program are the trainings. MSCA promotes the training aspect in the PF and DN fellowship in order to provide a unique opportunity to start a successful career. But also very important, the networking and the collaboration. The young researchers have access to a vast network of researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders through the MSEA, enabling them to build professional relationships and collaboration that can enhance a career and research prospect. So overall, the MSEA program provides a comprehensive framework for young researchers to pursue their research interests, to develop their skills and establish themselves as an independent researcher in their respective fields. The possibility to combine this research project with a training program in an international, intersectorial and interdisciplinary program is a unique opportunity, but also something very prestigious and competitive.
SPEAKER_01Oh, sure, when developing their application, as I understand, the applicants need to provide a clear plan of how they want to promote their career or how they see their career in like a couple of years or what they are due after this mobility. But uh, what are the usual cases? So, why to apply for such mobility grants? Uh, of course, apart that this is a very prestigious uh uh being alumni of Maria Sklodowski Reactions, and what additional value usually is emphasized by the participants, for example, for themselves?
SPEAKER_02So, applying for MSA mobility grants offers several compelling reasons for young researchers. First of all, the excellence. This is, as you said, a competitive grant. So being an MSAA fellow means that you were selected in a big European competition where the success rates are very low. It is a guarantee of quality and excellence. It's also demonstrated that you have the capacity to write a competitive and convincing research proposal and that you are able to attract prestigious funding for your career. But then, after you have this international and intersectoral experience, the MSCA Mobility Grants provide the researchers with the opportunity to work in different countries and into different institutions, allowing them to gain valuable international experience. These exposures to diverse research environments, culture, and perspective can enrich this research and broaden their professional networks. And then finally, in terms of career development, these mobility grants supports researchers in advancing their career by offering training, mentorship, and access to resources that enhance their skill and expertise. This can include opportunities like in intersectoral collaboration, project management, experience, exposure to industry, and this is also something which is quite unique in this program, this intersectoral aspect, which all are very valuable for career advancement. And also, I can add there again this networking opportunity. So participating in an MSA program will give you the possibility to have some second months all around the world. And during this second round, you can create your network and connecting with peer, mentor, industrial partners, and other stakeholders. This connection can lead to collaboration, job opportunities, and other carrying prospects. And then what is very important in European projects in general, but specific in MSA projects, is the research impact. The mobility grants allow the young researcher to access resources, facilities, and expertise that may not be available in their home institutions. This is why they will contribute to high-quality research and make meaningful contributions to their field. This can lead to publication, patents, or other kinds of output that enhance career impact and visibility. And then the last one is the personal growth. Living and working in a new country can be a transformative experience to foster personal growth and resilience. Researchers often emphasize the personal development again from adapting to new environments, overcoming challenges, and embracing cultural diversity. So, overall, applying for the MSA Mobility Grants offers researchers a unique opportunity to advance their career, to broaden their horizon, and make significant contributions to the research and innovation on an international scale.
SPEAKER_00Wow, you have convinced me already. That is really that's really incredible to hear. And it seems like there's so many different aspects of Marisca Rosal Security actions that can benefit the research themselves, the researcher themselves on many different levels. I was especially impressed. You know, I I I very much understand the personal growth that can come about from having you know all these new experiences and being in a different country and living somewhere else for a little bit that can have a profound effect on the researcher themselves, which is so important because that contributes to their work as well. And I think something that it sounds like is like it gives so much to the researcher. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it it also improves the scientific community as a whole. If every researcher is allowed to collaborate and to broaden their networks and to broaden their exposure and their opportunities, um it really allows them to achieve and to to achieve this self-actualization, especially in terms of their career, which leads to greater expansion and greater collaboration and greater discovery in the scientific community. Um so it benefits us all individually, and it seems like that contributes to the whole as well at the end of the day. Um so it that's amazing to hear. Do you have um follow-up from participants that you know of um who discuss the impact that Maurice Codolf Security actions had on their lives?
SPEAKER_02Absolutely. So what you said is very important is that the idea of this prestigious and competitive grant is to launch a researcher career. This is why the European Commission has this willingness to boost a little bit the young researcher in going to different um um industries to have interdisciplinary experience, is because they would like to select the excellent researcher in Europe and offer them the possibilities to have all the tools in hand to boost their career. And this is why also they they they force them a little bit to see beyond the scientific and then scientific project because they would like that this program is an open door to a successful career, and that after the two years of the fellowship of the three, four years of doctoral schools, they are not unemployed, that they have a perspective in their career. This is why they invest so much also into the training part. And when it comes to the um testimonial, yes, we have a follow-up testimonial, and this is also willingness from the European Commission because they ask all the fellows two years after uh their fellowship to complete a questionnaire to see where they are in their uh career path, in order to track a little bit what's going on after an MSCA fellowship. So there are some common outcomes that are coming from the participant. First of all, it's the career advancement. Many participants have reported that their participation in MSCA mobility grants has significantly boosted the career. They have included training track position, securing research funding, and advancing to high level of responsibilities within academia or industry. And then they become way more competitive for funding. MSA can allow them to enhance the career researcher track record and increase the competitiveness for other prestigious funding opportunities, such as the European Research Council, the ERC, which is the next step in terms of European funding in a researcher's career. The international experience and the research achievement gained through the MSA project can strengthen grant application and attract funding from various sources. But also, this professional network that they expanded, this all this connection they made during the program can end up for after the ground for long-lasting collaboration and partnership with researcher industry all around the world. And then they can also enhance their research skill and expertise. Because since the competition is so high, they are a little bit pushed to make excellent researchers and to make some breakthrough. And thanks to the breakthrough, this is a win-win situation for them in terms of developing their career, but also for Europe in a more break and the research field in order to advance the knowledge in their respective uh field. And of course, the MSA stamp, the recognition and the prestige you have behind on UCV is a major milestone in your career. Because thanks to that, you're part of the reputation within the research community. It's a guarantee of excellence being an MSA fellow. This recognition can lead to an invitation to serve on, for instance, expert panels, review board, or advisory committees. And all those elements can ask some career booster after an MSA grant.
SPEAKER_01Very good. That sounds very nice and very attractive, by the way. But uh this is uh very significant what you mentioned before that uh the uh one who, for example, applied for the uh doctoral fellowships or or uh then they are already secured the place after they will uh finish uh their doctoral thesis, for example, or something like that, and because they have uh a clear understanding of what they are doing, why they are doing it, and uh the a clear career path that is uh always um a relief, actually, for someone who is in stress. What should I do afterwards? So, what would be your advice? Where one should start in order to apply for MSA funding?
SPEAKER_02Okay, so starting the process of applying for MSA funding can seem daunting, but break it into manageable steps. So, for that, I will try to provide you the first steps, but the pass can be quite long. First of all, you need a strategy. It's not that you will maybe immediately uh gain an MSA fellowship after the first application, like for the ERC, it can require one of two years of application before you actually get the funding. So keep that well in mind. So also the momentum is important. Where do you stay also in your career? Where uh do you stay in terms of in your uh field? So all that is important, and then you have to plan it well in advance. So you have first of all to understand the MSA program. So you have to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of MSA funding, such as uh post-docral fellowship, doctoral network, according to where you stay in your career path, and each scheme has its own objective. Check the eligibility criteria because uh if you already have a PhD, you will not apply for doctoral school. So the application process is also something you have to check at this stage. For that, you have one document, which is the MSEA work program, explaining you the scope and how each action is implemented. Then you have to identify your research interest, clarify your research interest and objective, and consider how they align with the goal of the MSEA program. Think about the specific research question you want to address and the potential impact of your research. And then you have to find your host institution. Identifying the potential hostitution you would like to carry out your research project. Look for institutions that have expertise and facilities relevant to your research area, and reach out to the potential supervisor or collaborators to discuss your idea. And as I mentioned already, you have to check from very quite early in your process the eligibility requirement. The eligibility criteria for the MSA funding scheme you are interested in, including requirements related to the nationality, academic background, and research experience. Make sure you meet all the LGB criteria before proceeding with your application. You can find them in the MSA program. And then participate to your national MSA event. So in each country in Europe and also beyond, you have MSA national contact points, and they will be able to provide you with a lot of supporting material. You can check in your country if some information session or applicant training are organized, and please participate to this event. The MSANet Handbook are also very good to support where you can find hints and tips from the national contact point community on how to shape your proposal. And once you have read and prepared all this information, you can start preparing your research proposal. So draft a clear and compelling research proposal that outlines the objectives, the methodology, the expected outcome of your project. And faces the novelty and relevance of your research and demonstrate how it aligns with the priority of the MSEA program. Plan your proposal well in advance in order to have enough time in implementing feedback and correction. And what we often see that is not is sometimes a little bit neglected is the training part. So you should not resubmit another proposal application. The MSCA funding are very unique, so you have to provide a tailor-made proposal according to the MSCA requirement. And the training part is often something we see that is not really thoroughly think and thoroughly plan, but this is actually a main point for an MSA application. After thick for feedback. Feedback on your proposal, research proposal from mentors, colleagues, your MSA national contact point who have experience with the MSA program or similar funding schemes. Incorporate that feedback to strengthen your proposal and address any potential weaknesses. And then you will be ready to submit your application. So follow the application instructions provided by the MSA program carefully and submit your application by the specific deadline. There is no exception there. Double check that all the data are here in order to complete your application and that you are error-free. So by following these steps and staying organized and proactive through the application process, you can increase your chance of securing MSRA funding for your research project.
SPEAKER_00Wow. I think when you look at a proposal or when you look at such a prestigious institution, such as Good of Security Actions, it can be it can seem a little bit daunting for a researcher who's going up against so many fellow researchers to apply for these funding schemes and for these grants. I think if any of for those listening at home now, if you're listening to this podcast and you're listening to this very clear-cut process, you already are doing the right thing. And you're already doing the right moves that you need to do in order to secure these funding schemes. Thank you so much. That was very, very point-by-point and very clear. I'm wondering if you have any other tips and tricks for a successful proposal that the researchers listening could be benefited by in addition to the very clear-cut process which you just outlined for them.
SPEAKER_02Oh, yeah. Providing tips uh is my favorite part of my NCP job. So we have been reading proposals for the last 10 years and helping researchers reshaping their proposal in order to maximize them change is what I like the most because I'm not a scientific, basically. I have I am a manager and communication specialist. So here bring two knowledge together in order to try to shape the best proposal is one of my favorite activities. So I have tons of trip edites, but I would try a little bit to group them to provide you with some uh information. So, as you know, the you have very uh restrictive rules and instruction and page limitation, and you have to cope with all that. So, from my experience, what I see is from the beginning is very important to have some clear defined objectives and not some sub-objective like that, but the big pictures is very important. Ask yourself what you would like to achieve and which potential impact you would like to have with your work. Demonstrate how your research will address a significant challenge or advance the knowledge in your field. And uh, this clear pictures is sometimes missing in the proposal we are reading. And also think about the impact because this will be another section of your proposal, and they will ask you to go quite far with your thinking because. They will like to ask you the impact you will have on the scientific field, but also on the economical aspect and on the societal aspect. So you have to think why you, why now, and how. Because since the competition is so high, they will like to see ambitious projects. But you should also give them the impression that your project is feasible. If you have a great idea, if you are the right person at the right institution, but your project will not be successful because it's not thoroughly planned and organized, this might jeopardize a little bit the outcome of the evaluation. So you should find a good balance between ambitious but successful project. And then tailor your proposal. So especially nowadays with all the AA tools we have or all the hints and advice you have, you should be the one behind your project, behind your proposal. So customize the proposal to align closely with the priority and objective of the MSEA program. So between what you would like to do and what their requirements are, this is another balance you should find. Tell your research plan, the methodology, and the expect outcome to fit the requirements of the program. Sometimes you will you maybe you will have the impression, yeah, but where is the science? I have to write about this impact and all the communication and dissemination plan. But this is important for the for the European Commission to know. Keep in mind also that it's public money behind. So you have to give something back to the community that's gonna finance your project. So this is why they have all this different part in your proposal. And then highlight the innovation and the originality. This is the answer or why you. You as a brilliant social, but also why this project and not the other project in the pile of project. So emphasize the novelty and innovation of your research idea. Highlight why it is a unique approach, a unique methodology, and how it matches together. Demonstrate how your research will contribute to advancing knowledge and addressing concurrent gap or challenge you may currently have in your field. You will start by the state of the art and state of the art of why. First of all, to see that you are the expert in your field and you are able to identify the gaps and how, thanks to your project, you will fulfill these gaps. And then what is quite unique in this MSEA program again is this collaboration and this transfer of knowledge. So you will have to write about that too. Therefore, fostering collaboration with researchers, institutions, and industry partners can enhance the quality and impact of your research. You have to think for the opportunities for indisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. So for that, you have already to engage with the different stakeholders and to demonstrate how together they will contribute to the success of your project but also how to boost your career. And then there's all these different planifications you will have to make. You will have to plan all your trainings, you will have to plan all your communication, dissemination, and transfer of knowledge. So developing plans for uh disseminating the results of your research and ensuring that they reach the relevant audience. Consider how you will communicate your findings through publication, presentation, workshop, and other channels. So, and finally, the last part of your proposal will be how you're gonna implement all that. So, the implementation in your gun chart, how it is planned through the different uh years, through the different months, but also through the different partners that will be part of your project in terms of industrial segment, for instance, or when you're gonna move toward the different institutions within your project. So by incorporating all these tip and strings into your MSA proposal and mobility experience, you can increase your chance of successful and maximize the benefit of your participation in the program. But for more input on each part of your proposal for the MSA NCP community, I strongly recommend you to start reading the relevant documents, the MSA work program, and the MSA handbook for your application. So you have no excuse not to start with your application. It's time to boost your career with this Ukraine Research Funding and start with an MSA fellowship.
SPEAKER_00I I am curious personally, we didn't list this on the questions, but do you happen to know of a specific case, a very specific case of you know some big success story that might have come out of Maurice Kodovsky actions that you could tell? It's also okay if you don't have that or if for whatever legal reasons you can't discuss that, but um that might be nice to hear.
SPEAKER_02Yes, we do. Um I don't have name, but I have like Carrie Pass examples to provide you. Uh we have a researcher who they start with a miss uh an MSA fellowship, and thanks to this uh um selection, they passed and the knowledge they gain, they continue through the the the ERC. And once you can combine an MSE and together with an ERC starting round after uh you own a good way to go to the to the um uh tenure track position in any kind of institution around Europe, and then your career is basically launched, and you can attract more funding, you make your connection. So European funding is a complete strategy over a researcher career. If you plan it thoroughly from the beginning, saying, Okay, this is the different step I would like to try, but you also allocate you enough time and be strategic because when it comes to MSA or to ERC, you have some eligibility window you should not miss. And uh and also by um allocating you allocating you time, saying, Okay, maybe I tried this year, I will fail, but I will then have uh the feedback from the evaluators and be able to um reshape my proposal. Maybe I will pass next year, and this is actually the way it works. So European funding can fulfill a research career lifetime with this different application, but after you have also to uh search on a national level, so to come back that with national level, so it's quite a yes, strategic thinking behind all this application and how you're gonna boost your career. But the thing is, once you start and once you're in the loop, and once you know what they want, you understand the system, it's you will only get better because you have your network, you have your connections, you have the knowledge, you know how to write the proposal, you know, you know all the different instructions and the rules, you know who are the best partners, etc. So next time it will be successful. And indeed, this is what we see that it's not be it's it is becoming a close club, but the more you try, the better you will get, and the easiest it will be for you to attract your pen funding. And then after, once individually your career is launched, you can go for bigger projects, collaborative projects in parallel. So we have cases of some of our researchers that start with the MSA Fellowship, and then by their connection, they get this ERC, and then they know also in parallel what you can do is being yourself an expert. So they are now supervisor, they are welcoming their lab MSA fellow, but in parallel, they are also evaluating uh UPN project like that. They see the other part of the whole and see a little bit uh how it works and what are the criteria so they can after bringing back this knowledge and applying themselves for other uh major fundings.
SPEAKER_00I just want to comment on something on what Veronique said just now. That it's like it sounds like almost like it's like learning an instrument or a language, and then at the beginning the initial investment is very daunting and it's very tricky, um, or it seems like it might be that way. But once you pick up the skills and once you pick up the the necessary, you know, the once you put enough effort into it, it's a lot easier and a lot more clear on your path ahead and the benefit you get from it, like you said, you know, being able to continue on and understanding and moving on to ERC grants, um, that's tremendous. And like you said, it sets up your entire career. And then when you said the part about having a supervisor, which is very interesting, that's like having you know an instrument teacher. Now you have somebody who is on the other side who is able to you know walk you through the steps, and that's that's a great relationship. And I think that's so helpful and important for our listeners to hear that and to understand that they're not going to be alone in this process.
SPEAKER_02Exactly. And this is also a way of collaborating with all this EU research community and the European Commission because they will also ask you, since they so much put in so much emphasis in all this outreach event, collaboration, uh communication, and everything. So they expect you also that you become a kind of MSA ambassador after your career. So this is the MSA Alumni Association, which is very active, that you stay connected with the community, but also that you become yourself, you promote a little bit this MSA all around the world, and that you can continue your MSA career by indeed being a supervisor, being an expert, etc. So we say once the MSA family never left the MSA family on several levels because this will do your entire your entire career then. Sally, I admire the scientific community so much because this is not their job. They are scientists, they have been trained to deal with science, but they have to become at the same time communicator. It's a marketing exercise.
SPEAKER_01Yes, exactly. Sell yourself and sell this opportunity, yeah.
SPEAKER_02Exactly. So uh even worse, after with the ERC, where you have to go to Brussels and make these um uh uh interviews where in a couple of minutes you have to pitch your project. And this is not what exactly the dependent, this is not what they have been trained for. They have trained to make science, but nowadays it's way more than that. They have to be good communicator, they have been good with outreach exercise, they have been have to be good in writing because sometimes we see brilliant people, we see brilliant ideas, but the proposal is not well written, and this is where we can bring our added values as national contact point. But the the they should be so multitasking that we admire this research community when they are able to attract such funding because it's more and more demanding about reflection and input outside the the science itself.
SPEAKER_01Veronique, thank you very much for being our guest today. We are inspired and let's explore more in the second episode on Maria Sklodowska-Curie Opportunities for Postdoctoral Fellowships.
SPEAKER_00Thank you for listening to this episode of Euraxis Smart Talks.
SPEAKER_01We hope you enjoyed this episode and can't wait to share more with you next time.
SPEAKER_00You can follow us and find more episodes on the Yuraxcess portal or wherever you listen to podcasts.
SPEAKER_01This episode was prepared by audio engineer Pavle Drashkovic, outreach manager Daria Aksonova, production manager Jacob Wiesenfeld, editors Iser Pir, and Miroslav Trajanovic.
SPEAKER_00This episode is published under the Creative Commons CC BY license.
SPEAKER_01Thanks for listening.
