Focus on MSCA – Study Visit for Polish Research Organizations in Brussels

On 27–28 March 2025, the Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA) of the Polish Academy of Sciences organized a dedicated study visit to Brussels under the title of “Focus on MSCA”. The initiative brought together representatives of Polish research organizations aiming to deepen their understanding of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) within the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation – Horizon Europe.

What Kind of Event Was it?

This two-day study visit was part of PolSCA’s ongoing “Focus on MSCA” series, designed to provide tailored insight into EU programmes supporting researcher mobility, career development, and international collaboration. Set in the heart of the EU capital, the event offered a strategic blend of information sessions, best practice sharing, and direct exchanges with EU institutions responsible for implementing and managing MSCA schemes.

What Did the Event Offer Participants?

The study visit offered participants a unique opportunity to step inside the Brussels ecosystem and gain a deeper understanding of how MSCA operates from both strategic and practical perspectives.

The programme began with an exchange of best practices offering valuable insights into how Grants office at the VIB in Ghent (BE) support their researchers through the MSCA application and management process. Participants then moved on to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), where they explored the broader policy landscape behind MSCA – from research career development and international cooperation to widening participation in the programme. Later, at the European Research Executive Agency (REA), attendees engaged directly with the experts who evaluate proposals, manage grants, and align MSCA projects with key EU priorities such as skills development, mobility, and societal impact. Sessions also offered a closer look at Poland’s growing role in the MSCA community, complemented by success stories from across Europe.

The visit concluded with a dedicated session led by the Polish National Contact Point for MSCA and a final wrap-up that allowed participants to reflect on key takeaways, ask questions, and strengthen their network for future collaborations.

Who Were the Participants?

The visit gathered representatives from approx. 20 Polish universities, research institutes, and support offices engaged in MSCA coordination or seeking to boost their capacity in EU grant acquisition and management. The diversity of institutions ensured dynamic dialogue and knowledge exchange across sectors and regions.

The study visit was announced earlier this year through the post available here, which outlines the context and objectives of the “Focus on MSCA” initiative. A detailed summary of the study visit, including photos and participant impressions, is now available here, with the agenda to be downloaded here.