Commission invests close to €400 million for postdoctoral researchers

On Thursday, the European Commission opens the 2026 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, with a budget of €399.05 million. These fellowships support researchers holding a PhD to carry out their research activities abroad and acquire new skills in different disciplines and sectors. Researchers will benefit by working with leading scientific teams, contributing to the EU’s competitiveness through their cutting-edge research. Applications are open as of today and will close on 9 September 2026.

Since its creation in 1996, more than 150,000 researchers have participated in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including 23 Nobel laureates, highlighting its long-standing contribution to scientific excellence and international cooperation.

The call is part of over €1.25 billion earmarked for the MSCA in 2026 under the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 to foster excellence in research as highlighted in the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative. Through this funding, the MSCA will continue to support research through doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, research fellowships, and collaborative research and innovation projects.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Europe’s future is built on knowledge, discovery and talent. For 30 years, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions have empowered researchers to push the boundaries of science and to turn ideas into progress for society. Today, we are renewing that commitment. To researchers around the world, our message is clear: bring your ambition, bring your talent — Europe is your place to innovate and to thrive.”

Building on the programme’s legacy, the anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2026 under the motto ‘30 years of curiosity that changes the world’, highlighting the programme’s achievements and impact on research careers. Stories, milestones and highlights are already featured on a dedicated anniversary webpage, alongside contributions from the MSCA community, including an interview with Prof. Dr. Hélène Langevin-Joliot, granddaughter of Marie Skłodowska-Curie, among other activities.

Source: European Commission