Europe's Research Landscape and MSCA's Enduring Role
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, known as MSCA, stand as one of the European Union's flagship programmes for supporting researcher mobility, training, and career development. Funded under Horizon Europe, MSCA has long emphasised a bottom-up approach, allowing researchers to propose projects driven by scientific excellence rather than predefined policy themes. This principle has enabled thousands of researchers across Europe and beyond to pursue innovative work in universities, research institutes, and industry partners.
In the context of the 2026-2027 work programme, concerns have emerged about potential shifts that could alter this foundational element. Leading organisations representing higher education and research institutions have come together to advocate for continuity in the programme's design.
Understanding the Bottom-Up Approach in MSCA
The bottom-up approach in MSCA means that funding calls remain open to all research disciplines and topics chosen by applicants themselves. Researchers at doctoral, postdoctoral, and more senior stages propose projects based on their expertise and curiosity, without mandatory alignment to specific European Commission priorities. This contrasts with top-down or directed programmes where calls are tailored to address immediate policy goals such as climate targets or industrial competitiveness.
Proponents argue that this flexibility fosters genuine scientific discovery and attracts top international talent to European institutions. It supports interdisciplinary work and allows emerging fields to develop organically. Many universities across Europe, from those in the League of European Research Universities to members of the Coimbra Group, rely on MSCA grants to strengthen their research capacity and international collaborations.
Proposed Changes in the 2026-2027 Draft Work Programme
The draft Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027 introduced elements of directionality in MSCA. This would involve steering certain calls toward predefined thematic areas aligned with broader EU political objectives. Such changes raised alarms among stakeholders who viewed them as a departure from the programme's core identity.
While the final adopted programme retains significant bottom-up components, the initial proposals prompted a coordinated response from the research community. The focus remains on ensuring that MSCA continues to prioritise investigator-driven research over short-term policy steering.
The Joint Statement from European Research Organisations
In June 2025, the European University Association issued a joint statement alongside numerous partner networks. The document explicitly calls for MSCA to remain bottom-up and free from policy directionality. It emphasises that instruments supporting investigator-driven research must be shielded from short-term political agendas.
The statement highlights the programme's track record in delivering excellent science and building human capital across the European Research Area. Signatories stress that maintaining this approach is essential for Europe's competitiveness in global research and innovation.
Key Organisations Behind the Advocacy Effort
The coalition includes a broad range of bodies representing diverse segments of the European research ecosystem. The Young European Research Universities Network, the European Consortium of Innovative Universities, and the League of European Research Universities are among the endorsers. Additional support comes from the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers, the Marie Curie Alumni Association, and the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities.
These groups collectively represent universities, research-performing organisations, academies, and early-career researchers. Their unified voice underscores the widespread consensus on preserving MSCA's distinctive features.
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Implications for Universities and Researchers Across Europe
For higher education institutions, MSCA funding supports doctoral training networks, postdoctoral fellowships, staff exchanges, and co-funded programmes. A shift toward greater directionality could limit opportunities for researchers in fields not aligned with immediate priorities, potentially affecting recruitment and retention strategies at universities in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Early-career researchers, in particular, benefit from the mobility and training opportunities that MSCA provides. Preserving the bottom-up nature ensures that talented individuals from varied backgrounds can contribute to frontier research without thematic constraints.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Programme Design
University leaders and research managers have expressed that the bottom-up model complements other parts of Horizon Europe, such as the mission-oriented clusters in Pillar II. MSCA's flexibility allows it to address emerging challenges through researcher initiative rather than centralised direction.
Alumni networks and doctoral candidate organisations note that the programme's openness has helped attract and retain talent within Europe, countering brain drain to other regions. They advocate for continued emphasis on excellence and mobility as core values.
Developments Following the Advocacy
The Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027 was ultimately adopted with substantial bottom-up elements retained in MSCA calls. Funding opportunities announced for 2026 include support for doctoral networks and postdoctoral fellowships that continue to operate on an open basis across disciplines.
Calls for proposals have proceeded with budgets exceeding €1.25 billion for the initial year, reflecting ongoing commitment to researcher development. Information days and guidance materials from the European Commission highlight the programme's role in excellent science.
Broader Context Within Horizon Europe
MSCA forms part of Pillar I, focused on excellent science alongside the European Research Council and research infrastructures. This pillar contrasts with the challenge-driven clusters in Pillar II and the innovation-focused Pillar III. Maintaining distinct characteristics across pillars helps ensure a balanced European research and innovation system.
Discussions around the 2026-2027 period also touch on participation rules for associated countries and the integration of social sciences and humanities, areas where bottom-up flexibility has proven valuable.
Looking Ahead to Future Framework Programmes
As preparations begin for the period beyond 2027, the research community continues to emphasise the importance of bottom-up funding mechanisms. The experience with MSCA in the current cycle provides lessons on balancing policy relevance with scientific autonomy.
European institutions, including the European Commission and member state representatives, engage regularly with stakeholder networks to refine programme design. The advocacy effort demonstrates the active role that universities and research organisations play in shaping the future of European research funding.
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Practical Steps for Researchers and Institutions
Universities and individual researchers interested in MSCA opportunities can consult the official calls on the Funding and Tenders Portal. Guidance emphasises proposal quality, mobility plans, and training elements regardless of specific thematic focus.
Networking through organisations such as the Marie Curie Alumni Association or national contact points can provide additional support for preparing competitive applications. Institutions often host information sessions to help potential applicants navigate the process.