Deadline: 03-Dec-2025
The MSCA Choose Europe for Science initiative is a bold step toward making Europe a more attractive destination for researchers worldwide.
Its main goal is to address the growing concern of precarious employment in the research sector by providing more stable and long-term career opportunities. Rather than losing talent to other regions, Europe aims to reverse the trend and become a hub of innovation through brain gain.
This pilot action supports projects in which both academic and non-academic organisations recruit postdoctoral researchers. What sets this initiative apart is its focus not just on excellence during the project period, but also on the professional future offered to the researchers after the funding ends. Organisations will now be evaluated not only on their ability to run high-quality research programmes but also on their commitment to longer-term employment perspectives.
The initiative is open to single legal entities located in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. These applicants will be responsible for recruiting the researchers. They may also collaborate with associated partners as part of their project design. The total budget allocated to this call is €22.5 million, with each successful applicant eligible to receive up to €3.5 million.
Each funded project must recruit at least three researchers for up to five years. The funding model includes co-funding from the MSCA for the first two to three years, with the recruiting institution expected to provide financial support for the remaining duration using internal or external sources. The funding includes a fixed monthly allowance per researcher to cover salary and other programme-related costs, along with potential additional allowances for long-term leave or special needs.
Eligible researchers must hold a doctoral degree or have successfully defended their thesis by the time of application. They can be of any nationality, but must comply with mobility rules. Specifically, they should not have spent more than 12 months in the host country during the 36 months before the programme’s application deadline. Additionally, candidates should not already have permanent positions at the host institution and may take part in short-term secondments during the programme.
With its focus on stable employment, high standards, and global inclusion, Choose Europe for Science signals a shift in the way Europe supports research careers. It’s a timely and strategic effort to turn the challenges of researcher mobility and job insecurity into an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s leadership in science and innovation.
For more information, visit Innovate UK Business Connect.