Focus on MSCA – Study Visit for Polish Research Organizations in Brussels
March 27, 2025 08:00 – March 28, 2025 17:00
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.
(wiecej…)EIC Pathfinder Masterclass – workshops for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences
March 20, 2025 11:00 – 16:30
The EIC Pathfinder Masterclass aims to enhance the Polish innovation ecosystem by providing detailed insights and practical guidance on the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder instrument. This event, designed for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences, will bring together key representatives from the Polish innovation landscape, researchers, innovators and expers to discuss support mechanisms and strategies for successful grant applications.
EIC Pathfinder Masterclass is a unique event aimed at strengthening the Polish innovation ecosystem. Thanks to detailed information and practical guidance on the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder instrument, participants will be better prepared for successful grant applications.
What can you expect?
Expert knowledge.
Participants will have the opportunity to listen to presentations and advice from leading experts in the field of innovation, including representatives of the European Innovation Council, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and experienced applicants and evaluators.
Practical tips.
During the workshop session, participants will receive practical advice on preparing EIC Pathfinder applications, including information on the strengths and weaknesses of applications and the steps necessary for their successful submission.
Networking.
The event will bring together key representatives of the Polish innovation landscape, researchers, and innovators, creating an excellent opportunity to establish valuable contacts and exchange experiences.
Individual support.
Participants will have the opportunity to present their project ideas and receive personalized feedback from experts, increasing their chances of success in grant applications.
Comprehensive approach.
The event program is designed to maximize the positive impact on participants by combining informational sessions, discussions, and practical workshops.
If you are an employee of the Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, join us on 20 March 2025 at the Institute of Physics PAS in Warsaw and take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance your competencies in innovation and EIC Pathfinder grant applications.
Registrator form available only for employees at PAS Institutes.
For more: » EIC Pathfinder Masterclass – workshops for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences
HE Navigators MeetUP – network in person meeting Warsaw
March 20, 2025 09:00 – 10:30
We would like to invite you to a stationary meeting of members of the Navigators network, in Warsaw. During the meeting we will connect with Brussels to present the key priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. It will also be an excellent opportunity to network with other members of the Navigators network. You can’t miss it!
2 March 9:00 AM
Warsaw, Institute of Physics PAS, al. Lotników 32
An upcoming meeting of the network of research managers and administrators across institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, known as the Horizon Europe Navigators, will be dedicated to strengthening cooperation between network members through personal participation in the event. In addition, we will connect with Brussels to familiarise participants with the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council related to science and research and innovation policy.
Participants in the meeting will have the opportunity to listen to the Research Attaché of the Polish Representation to the EU, who will present the aforementioned priorities, plans and events promoting Polish science. She will also point out key legislative initiatives at the EU Council level, which – under the Polish Presidency – will set the course of Europe in the field of research and innovation.
During the tele-bridge we will also invite the Hungarian Research Attaché to present recently published European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RMA).
Green Horizons Matchmaking: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Food Systems
March 18, 2025 09:00 – 16:00
Partners from 6 IGLO offices representing the following European countries: Austria, France, Spain, Latvia, Slovakia and Poland are organising a matchmaking event to network partners interested in applying for research projects on topics such as biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and food systems, plant and animal health and resilience in the face of climate change. The participants from Poland represent universities, PAS institutes and SMEs.
The agenda for the event includes:
- an information session on the place of Cluster 6 in EC policy delivered by DG RTD,
- guidance on preparing project proposals and specific call requirements shared by the Austrian NCP,
- pitching session for all participants to present project ideas and organizations’ potential,
- pre-booked 1:1 meetings with other researchers and company representatives.
The matchmaking event aims at promoting cooperation in the area of research and innovation in sustainable agriculture, food systems, plant and animal health, biodiversity and resilience in the face of the climate change. Yet, the short-term objective is to facilitate formation of new project consortia in the upcoming Cluster 6 calls.
The list of participants is now closed, recruitment information has been published HERE.
Advancing Food Systems in Europe
March 17, 2025 11:00 – 19:00
The event, titled Advancing Food Systems in Europe – research & innovation for healthier, sustainable and resilient future, coorganized by PolSCA Office, PAS, in Brussels, East Poland House, and Brussel’s Office of the National Centre for Research and Development will give an opportunity to discuss recent achievements in food research, showcase examples of successful SMEs in the sector and finally give a platform to talk about the future directions of food R&I.
The event is held under patronage of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU and will be opened with an address from Marcin Kuchciński, Marshal of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship. its agenda is divided into three sessions:
- Session I – CONSUMER TRUST AND ADVANCES IN FOOD & HEALTH RESEARCH – during which 4 leading scientists in food studies will present their respective research areas: food production, technology and marketing as well as personalized nutrition and medicine;
- Session II – INNOVATION IN FOOD – PERSPECTIVE OF INDUSTRY – where selected start-ups and SMEs from Poland and across Europe will showcase cutting-edge products and technologies;
- Session III – POLICY – WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR FOOD RESEARCH – designed to address future challenges of the food systems in Europe, especially in the area of research innovation.
With the Polish Presidency’s priorities emphasizing seven dimensions of security, two of them focusing on food production and health the event not only brings to Brussels Polish experts in these fields but also European stakeholders and policy makers: Directorate General for Research and Innovation, EIT Food, FutureFoodS Partnership and JPI Healthy Diet, Healthy Lives.
The full agenda of the event and the registration link can be found HERE
Media patronage:
The summary of the event and presentation are available HERE.
Advancing Food Systems in Europe – register now!
On 17 March 2025, in Brussels, East Poland House, PolSCA Office of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Brussel’s Office of the National Centre for Research and Development organize jointly an event entitled Advancing Food Systems in Europe – research & innovation for healthier, sustainable and resilient future that will gather researchers, innovators, and policymakers to explore the intersection of food production and health. The event has received the patronage of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU.
This initiative will feature researchers from leading institutions such as Polish Academy of Sciences, the Medical University of Bialystok and the Aarhus University. The event aims to strengthen collaboration across Europe, drive innovation in food products, and support the development of healthier dietary solutions.
The Polish Presidency’s priorities emphasize seven dimensions of security, with two key areas focusing on food production and health. In this context, we aim to foster stronger connections between Polish researchers, innovators, and policymakers in the field of healthy food and their European counterparts.
HE Navigators MeetUP – Maria Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND call 2025
February 27, 2025 10:00 – 11:30
We would like to invite all members of the Navigators network to an information meeting on the MSCA COFUND instrument and the upcoming 2025 call for proposals!
The meeting agenda includes:
- presentation of the instrument by experts from the Research Executive Agency (REA)
- examples of COFUND projects implemented in Poland – testimonials
- questions and discussion
The meeting is aimed at members of the Navigators network, other research support staff, management and researchers from Polish Academy of Sciences Institutes who intend to submit a proposal under the MSCA COFUND.
Focus on MSCA – study visit in Brussels
Become an Expert in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Join the Study Visit in Brussels! The PolSCA PAN Office in Brussels invites you to participate in a two-day study visit (March 27-28, 2025) at key institutions responsible for MSCA instruments under the Horizon Europe framework programme. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your competencies and establish valuable contacts in this field – join the PolSCA study visit in Brussels!
Why Should You Participate?
– First-hand knowledge – meetings with experts from DG EAC and REA will provide a deeper understanding of MSCA priorities and mechanisms:
- Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) – where MSCA strategic priorities are shaped.
- European Research Executive Agency (REA) – responsible for implementing and managing MSCA projects at the European level.
– Practical guidance – participate in sessions on effective proposal writing, project evaluation, and grant management.
– Networking and experience sharing – engage with representatives of grant offices from leading Polish and Belgian research institutions.
– Increased success in applications – the knowledge gained will help participating institutions compete more effectively for MSCA funding.
Building on the Success of the ERC Study Visit in 2023
The study visit follows the success of a similar initiative organized by PolSCA in autumn 2023, which focused on funding opportunities under the European Research Council (ERC). The visit to the ERC Executive Agency (ERCEA) provided Polish research managers and administrators with a unique insight into ERC funding schemes, proposal evaluation, and best practices for securing ERC grants. This event not only strengthened the Polish scientific community’s expertise in applying for ERC funding, but also led to the visit of ERC President Prof. Maria Leptin to Warsaw in September 2024, further reinforcing Poland’s engagement in ERC programmes. Building on this experience, the upcoming MSCA-focused visit will serve a similar purpose—enhancing the capacity of Polish institutions to successfully apply for MSCA grants.
Who Can Participate?
The visit is intended for research project administrators, grant office staff, and policymakers in research institutions (universities, institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and other scientific organizations).
Preliminary Agenda:
March 27 (Thursday):
- Practical session with representatives of a Brussels university on best practices in applying for and implementing MSCA projects.
- Meeting at DG EAC – discussion on priorities and strategies within MSCA.
March 28 (Friday):
- Meeting at REA – in-depth insights into proposal evaluation, project management, and reporting.
- Success stories from widening countries and recommendations for effective applications.
Applications are open until March 10, 2025 (12:00 PM). Click here for the registration form.
Please note: PolSCA does not cover travel, accommodation, or subsistence costs for participants.
Upcoming MSCA Calls in 2025:
Participation in the study visit will help you prepare for the upcoming MSCA calls in 2025. Below, we present the planned opening and closing dates for each call, along with their indicative budgets:
- MSCA Staff Exchanges 2025
- Call opening: March 27, 2025
- Application deadline: October 8, 2025
- Indicative budget: €82.76 million
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025
- Call opening: April 9, 2025
- Application deadline: September 10, 2025
- Indicative budget: €274.63 million
- MSCA COFUND 2025
- Call opening: January 23, 2025
- Application deadline: June 24, 2025
- Indicative budget: €101.82 million
- MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025
- Call opening: May 28, 2025
- Application deadline: November 25, 2025
- Indicative budget: Not specified
Please note that the above dates and budgets are indicative and may be subject to change. We recommend regularly checking for updates on the official MSCA website and the European Commission’s EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Join us in Brussels and gain essential knowledge, strengthen your institution’s funding strategies, and build a valuable network in the MSCA community!
EIC Pathfinder Masterclass – workshops for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences
The EIC Pathfinder Masterclass is a workshop aimed at strengthening the Polish innovation ecosystem by providing detailed information and practical guidance on the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder instrument. This event will bring together key representatives from the Polish innovation landscape, researchers, and experts to discuss support mechanisms and strategies for successful grant applications.
Analysis of data provided by the European Commission indicates that the EIC Pathfinder programme instrument is highly popular among applicants, reflecting its significance and popularity in the context of research and innovation in Europe.
Compared to prestigious ERC grants, the EIC instrument appears more favourable in terms of the number of applications submitted.
The success rate of the EIC Pathfinder, however, is lower than the overall success rate of all ERC grants.
To maximise the positive impact of the event on potential applicants from the Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences and to enable both discussion and practical learning, the event was divided into three parts:
- Polish Innovation Landscape and its synergies with the EIC ecosystem – an overview of the current state and policies of Polish innovation.
- EIC Pathfinder Information Session. Support for Applicants – presentations of the successes of Polish applicants, advice from evaluators and representatives of funding bodies, focusing on application processes. Detailed information on EIC support mechanisms, focusing on the EIC Pathfinder instrument.
- Masterclass on EIC Pathfinder Applications – practical workshops where participants present project ideas and receive valuable tips on preparing successful EIC Pathfinder proposals, as well as expert support on application steps, and the strengths and weaknesses of applications.
Among the invited guests will be Polish scientists who have successfully applied for and are currently implementing EIC Pathfinder grants:
prof. Barbara Piętka, Warsaw University – coordinator of PolART
prof. Michał Matuszewski, Centre for Theoretical Physics PAS – partner of: PolART, QUONDENSATE, Q-ONE
prof. Daniel Gryko, Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS – partner of APACE
The workshops are dedicated to members of the Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences – project teams, both researchers and research managers at PAS Institutes, interested in applying for EIC Pathfinder 2025 grants.
Due to limited space, registration for the event is mandatory. Registration form available only for employees of the PAS Institutes.
Quarterly Summary of PolSCA Office Activities – now available!
We are pleased to present the latest quarterly report on the activities of the PolSCA Office in Brussels. This document provides detailed information about our initiatives, events, and achievements over the past months of 2024.
What’s Inside the Report?
- Key events and meetings: A comprehensive overview of significant events and meetings organized by the PolSCA Office, including collaborations with European and international institutions.
- Research and Innovation endavours: summaries of research and innovation ventures we have been suuported.
- Strategic collaborations: insights into our strategic collaborations with national stakeholders and international partners.
- Trends and challenges: analysis of the latest trends and challenges in the fields of science, innovation and technology.
We invite you to read the full document to learn more about our efforts to support Polish scientists and promote international cooperation within the Horizon Europe Framework Program.
Next Page »« Previous Page
