From January 23rd to 25th 2023 the ERUA Research Support Group organized a workshop at the University of Konstanz entitled: “Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships: How to write a competitive proposal?”.
The first two days were skillfully organized by the highly experienced trainer Juliane Sauer. Using a wide variety of methods, the participants received not only input on the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF), they also used hands-on techniques addressing different parts of their applications. In a concentrated yet open-minded manner, participants openly exchanged their ideas and received feedback from peers and trainer Juliane Sauer.
The first day finished with a social dinner at Wessenberg Restaurant where participants, organisers and ERUA staff were able to informally exchange their experiences after the first workshop day.
The next workshop day started with focus on writing successful applications for MSCA PF. At the end of the day, attendees were equipped with tools and know-how to prepare a competitive MSCA PF proposal submission.
On the third and final day, Dr. Anamaria Bentea (MSCA Fellow), Prof. Dr. Lukas Schmidt-Mende (MSCA Host) and Dr. Nicole Stroncik (MSCA Evaluator) held presentations highlighting their unique perspectives as a successful MSCA Fellow, a highly requested host and finally as an evaluator on numerous occasions. Participants received specific input on successful strategies and asked further questions discussing different aspects of the application process.
Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PFs) target postdocs (with no more than 8 years of experience after the completion of their PhD) who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills, develop their careers and improve employability by gaining experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors. These postdoctoral fellowships spread excellence in research and they are based on knowledge transfer between fellows and their host(s), with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and intersectoral experience. MSCA PFs allow candidates to extend their international network as well as to enhance their professional reputation as a researcher. On the other hand, hosting an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellow allows established group leaders to work with the most brilliant postdocs in their field that bring additional expertise to the research group.