Overview of the MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026 Call
The European Commission has launched the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges 2026 call, a cornerstone program that supports research mobility and international collaboration. With a substantial budget of €97.9 million, this call is designed to strengthen research partnerships across Europe and beyond by enabling researchers at all career stages to engage in high-quality exchanges between academic and non-academic institutions.
The call opens on 16 December 2025 and closes on 16 April 2026. Applicants should time their submissions carefully to align with the deadline and ensure all required documents are in order. Successful projects typically enable staff exchanges that build capacity, share knowledge, and accelerate innovation through practical secondments and collaborative research activities.
What the MSCA Staff Exchanges Aim To Achieve
MSCA Staff Exchanges are funded to promote international and intersectoral mobility. The program supports researchers, technicians, and host organizations by fostering long-term collaborations that bridge academia, industry, and other sectors. Key outcomes include enhanced research skills, improved career prospects for researchers, and the dissemination of knowledge across disciplines and borders.
Who Can Apply
The call is open to a wide range of participants, including researchers at various career stages, universities, research organizations, and non-academic partners such as private companies, civil society, and government bodies. Applicants should identify one or more feasible secondment or training opportunities, outlining how the exchange will contribute to research excellence and societal impact. Partners from different countries are encouraged, as cross-border collaboration is a core strength of MSCA.
What Funds The Exchanges
Funding typically covers mobility and training costs, direct living allowances for researchers, and various eligible innovation and training activities. The €97.9 million budget is allocated to support a number of projects that facilitate exchanges among organizations across Europe and associated countries. Successful proposals often include clear milestones, measurable impact, and robust dissemination plans to maximize the value of the exchanges.
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on criteria such as the excellence of the research proposal, the quality of the training and supervision, the impact and dissemination plan, and the capacity of the administrative structures to manage the exchange. Proposals should demonstrate strong alignment with MSCA objectives, including fostering scientific excellence, international cooperation, and the career development of researchers. It is also important to show a well-structured management plan, budget realism, and risk mitigation strategies.
How To Prepare A Strong Proposal
Succinct, well-justified proposals tend to perform best. Potential applicants should map out the secondment details, including locations, durations, and the specific skills or methodologies to be transferred. Building a diverse consortium with clear roles and responsibilities helps strengthen the case for funding. Don’t overlook the importance of a compelling dissemination and outreach plan to disseminate results to both scholarly and non-scholarly audiences.
Timeline and Key Dates
Important dates include the opening of the call on 16 December 2025 and the submission deadline on 16 April 2026. Applicants should monitor any updates from the European Commission and ensure that all required administrative documents are prepared in advance, including letters of intent, partner agreements, and budget justifications. Early preparation can reduce last-minute hurdles and improve submission quality.
Impact and Why It Matters
MSCA Staff Exchanges are a strategic investment in a resilient, globally connected research ecosystem. By enabling cross-border and cross-sector learning, the program helps researchers acquire new competencies, fosters innovation in both academia and industry, and strengthens Europe’s position as a leader in scientific research and know-how transfer.
Tips for Applicants
- Align your proposal with MSCA goals: excellence, impact, and mobility.
- Develop a clear, measurable set of outcomes and dissemination plans.
- Secure strong, complementary partners with defined roles and responsibilities.
- Prepare a realistic budget with contingencies for travel, hosting, and training activities.
- Engage with your institution’s grants office early to navigate administrative requirements.
For researchers and organizations eyeing European funding, the MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026 call offers a substantial opportunity to advance collaborative research and strengthen international networks. Proper planning, a compelling proposal, and a solid partnership framework are the best predictors of success.
