EUR 399 million for MSCA postdoctoral fellowships in 2026: an opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs in Romania
Within the European Research and Innovation Plan, one of the most substantial financial instruments dedicated to supporting postdoctoral careers is the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme…
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
What the Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships mean for research and innovation
Within the European Research and Innovation framework, one of the most substantial financial instruments dedicated to supporting postdoctoral careers is the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. For 2026, the European Commission is allocating a record budget of around 399 million euro to fund fellowships that enable researchers with a doctorate to continue their work in cutting-edge fields. This initiative not only stimulates advanced research, but also helps strengthen the links between academic institutions, innovative companies and the business community across the European Union.
MSCA fellowships support international mobility, interdisciplinarity and knowledge transfer between academia and industry, and are an essential driver for increasing innovation capacity. Companies involved in MSCA projects can benefit from the experience of highly qualified researchers, making it easier to integrate the latest technologies and methods through close collaboration.
Who can apply for these fellowships and what requirements must be met
The direct beneficiaries of the fellowships are postdoctoral researchers who have already obtained their doctoral degree and wish to broaden their area of expertise through original research projects carried out at eligible institutions in EU Member States or associated countries. Host institutions can be universities, public or private research centres, as well as businesses, especially SMEs and technology start-ups, that wish to develop their innovation capacity.
Eligibility usually requires that researchers have not spent more than 8 years in research activities after their doctorate and have not been employed in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding the application. Projects must also bring European added value through mobility and interdisciplinary activities, in line with the Union's objectives.
What documents and steps are needed for a successful application
The application process is carried out electronically on the European Commission's official platform dedicated to these funds. The mandatory documents include the detailed project proposal, a well-structured work plan, supporting documents on institutional affiliation, details on the expected impact and a realistic budget. Researchers must also prepare an extended CV that highlights their previous experience and the skills relevant to the proposed topic.
Host institutions are also involved in the selection process and must demonstrate administrative support capacity and adequate resources for carrying out the project. Establishing clear partnerships and effective communication between the parties involved is essential for increasing the chances of success.
Impact and benefits for the business and research community in Romania
Accessing these funds can change the dynamics of Romanian high-tech companies, giving them valuable resources to accelerate their research and innovation. For universities and institutes, it is an opportunity to attract top talent and to increase their visibility in European research networks.
In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania can gain a decisive competitive advantage in global competition by connecting to networks of excellence and benefiting from advanced know-how. Involvement in MSCA projects can energise the local innovation ecosystem, generating new products, processes or services with high market potential.
Practical recommendations for interested companies and researchers
- Prepare the application file well in advance, assigning a mixed team of scientific and administrative experts to draft the proposals.
- Check the eligibility criteria carefully and make sure that the research plan is clearly aligned with the MSCA priorities and the EU's objectives in research and innovation.
- Make the most of international and interdisciplinary partnerships to increase the originality and impact of the project, including potential beneficiaries from the private sector in Romania.
- Keep an eye on the application deadlines and the specific documentation, updated on the official EU website for MSCA fellowships.
- Consider also seeking advice from companies specialising in EU funds or from consultants experienced in accessing the H2020, Horizon Europe or MSCA programmes.
This funding call window is an important opportunity for Romanian researchers and for companies that want to position themselves at the scientific and technological forefront of Europe. Active participation in these programmes can contribute significantly to professional development, increased innovation capacity and integration into competitive, high value-added markets.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
