research talent — research talent — The European Commission this week announced the opening of the 2026 call for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, with a budget of €399.05 million aimed at supporting researchers across Europe and beyond.
Research talent: Funding to Enhance Research Opportunities
The fellowships are crafted to assist PhD holders in conducting research abroad, facilitating the development of new skills across various disciplines and sectors. This initiative is a vital part of the European Union’s strategy to foster scientific excellence and innovation.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships will be open from April 16, 2026, and will close on September 9, 2026. This timeline allows ample opportunity for researchers to prepare and submit their proposals.
A Legacy of Support for Researchers
Since its inception in 1996, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions have provided support to over 150,000 researchers, including 23 Nobel laureates. This impressive track record highlights the programme’s longstanding impact on scientific research and training.
Broader Commitment to Research and Innovation
The 2026 call for fellowships is part of a larger allocation that exceeds €1.25 billion under Horizon Europe for the period of 2021–2027. This funding aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities across the continent, ensuring that Europe remains a leader in scientific development.
Continued Investment in Research Training
Through this funding, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions will persist in supporting doctoral and postdoctoral training, fellowships, and collaborative research projects across multiple fields. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Europe’s future is built on knowledge, discovery and talent.”
Celebrating 30 Years of Scientific Advancement
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, an occasion that will be celebrated under the theme “30 years of curiosity that changes the world.” The celebrations will honour the programme’s impact on research careers, featuring stories, milestones, and contributions from the global MSCA community.
Upcoming Funding Opportunities
In addition to the Postdoctoral Fellowships, the Commission has announced further funding calls to launch later in 2026. One such initiative is the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme, scheduled to run from May 28 to November 24, 2026, with a budget of €593.03 million. This programme will focus on recruitment and training of doctoral candidates across various sectors, including academia, industry, and public administration.
Focus on Long-term Employment in Research
Another upcoming opportunity is the MSCA Choose Europe for Science programme, set to run from December 8, 2026, to April 6, 2027, with a budget of €51.25 million. This initiative aims to enhance the attractiveness of research careers in Europe, addressing prevalent issues such as job precarity and brain drain. It will support projects that recruit and co-fund postdoctoral researchers, focusing on sustainable employment opportunities beyond the project’s completion.
Supplementary Calls for Collaboration and Training
In late 2025, two additional calls under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions were launched. The MSCA Staff Exchanges call, with a budget of €97.92 million, is currently open until April 16, 2026. This initiative promotes collaborative research and innovation projects, fostering international, inter-sectoral, and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Additionally, the MSCA COFUND call, which closed on April 8, 2026, allocated €105.46 million to support organisations in the development of doctoral and postdoctoral training programmes. Its primary objective is to attract talented researchers, strengthen skills, and advance career development.
A Flagship Initiative for Research Mobility
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme has evolved into the European Union’s flagship initiative for research training and mobility, remaining open to all disciplines and sectors. It continues to attract global talent, strengthen ties with industry, and contribute significantly to a more integrated European Research Area.
