What is the MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026 call?
The European Commission has unveiled the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges 2026 call, part of Horizon Europe’s research funding framework. With a total budget of €97.9 million, the program is designed to strengthen international and cross-sector collaboration by enabling researchers and non-academic staff to move between institutions in different countries. The call opens on 16 December 2025 and closes on 16 April 2026, inviting universities, research organizations, and industry partners to apply for funding that supports mobility, knowledge transfer, and career development.
Why this call matters for researchers and institutions
MSCA Staff Exchanges are a flagship EU funding instrument aimed at fostering high-quality research through international collaboration. By supporting staff exchanges, the program helps researchers acquire new skills, gain exposure to diverse research cultures, and build networks that can accelerate innovation. For host and partner institutions, the initiative provides access to a broader talent pool, opportunities for joint supervision of doctoral candidates, and strengthened ties across academia and industry.
What kind of activities are funded?
Funding supports short- to long-term staff exchanges, joint research projects, and secondments between participating organizations in different countries. Eligible activities include collaborative research with structured training, knowledge transfer activities, and the hosting of researchers at partner sites. The emphasis is on mobility and collaboration that creates tangible outcomes, such as joint publications, new research lines, or improved institutional practices.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants typically include universities, research organizations, and, in some cases, industry partners that can act as hosting or partner institutions. Researchers eligible for MSCA support include doctoral students, early-stage researchers, and experienced researchers seeking international exposure. Applicants should plan exchanges that clearly outline the roles, supervision, training plans, and expected impact on both individuals and institutions.
Funding and duration
The €97.9 million budget is allocated to support a range of mobility schemes, with grants designed to cover living and research expenses, training activities, and networking opportunities. Project durations vary, but most actions include clear milestones and measurable outcomes such as published papers, new collaborations, or trained personnel. Applicants should prepare a robust budget and a detailed plan for monitoring and evaluation.
How to prepare a strong proposal
Successful proposals typically demonstrate: a compelling strategic alignment with institutional goals and EU priorities; a well-defined mobility plan with documented supervision arrangements; a strong training or career development component; and concrete expected results that benefit both the individual researchers and the participating organizations. It’s essential to show strong international and cross-sector collaboration and a clear pathway to impact, including dissemination and exploitation of results.
Timeline and next steps
Actioning organizations should prepare by aligning project teams, identifying potential host and partner institutions, and drafting a detailed work plan. The submission deadline is 16 April 2026, with subsequent evaluation leading to grant agreements for successful consortia. Early preparation is recommended to gather required documents, letters of intent, and partner commitments.
Impact beyond funding
Beyond financial support, MSCA Staff Exchanges foster mobility culture, attract diverse talent, and strengthen Europe’s research ecosystem. By enabling researchers to move across borders and sectors, the program contributes to scientific excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and long-term capacity building within institutions and regions.
Final thoughts
With nearly €98 million available, the MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026 call offers a valuable gateway for research teams aiming to elevate their international collaborations and career development programs. Interested organizations should begin early outreach, secure a clear mobility plan, and assemble a diverse consortium to maximize chances of success.
