The latest phase of the MSCA4Ukraine initiative has officially closed, with 20 applications received from organisations aiming to manage the next round of support for displaced Ukrainian researchers
Supported by an additional €10 million in funding from the European Commission, this new phase shows the continued commitment to supporting academic talent affected by Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Continued support for displaced Ukrainian researchers
Launched under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the MSCA4Ukraine scheme was established to offer secure and stable opportunities for Ukrainian researchers who have been compelled to leave their country. Since its inception, the initiative has supported 173 researchers with fellowships totalling €35 million.
With the 2025 call now closed, the European Commission has given an additional €10 million for the programme. The funds will enable one selected organisation or consortium to manage the next implementation phase, supporting the recruitment of institutions across Europe and associated countries.
Career development and stability
The fellowships provided under MSCA4Ukraine offer more than just temporary placements. Researchers will gain access to:
- Favourable working conditions
- High-quality academic supervision
- Career development and training opportunities
- Family allowances and special needs support, where relevant
These fellowships will be available to both doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from Ukraine. Through this scheme, researchers will be placed in universities, research centres, businesses, and public institutions across the EU and Horizon Europe-associated countries.
Researchers in 2026
The selected organisation will be responsible for launching the next call for research fellowships, expected to open in the first half of 2026.
Ukrainian researchers interested in applying will need to collaborate with a host institution in an eligible country to prepare their applications.
The 2026 call is expected to build on the achievements of previous rounds, ensuring continuity of research careers disrupted by the war while contributing to long-term scientific collaboration between Ukraine and Europe.
Ukraine’s scientific community
A key element of MSCA4Ukraine is the emphasis on maintaining strong links between supported researchers and their home institutions in Ukraine. Fellows are encouraged to stay connected with their national research communities, facilitating collaboration through joint projects, fieldwork, and temporary placements.
The programme is also designed with future reintegration in mind. If circumstances permit, Ukrainian institutions will be able to use the scheme to bring researchers back into the country, supporting national recovery and development.
Research supporting reconstruction efforts.
Many MSCA4Ukraine fellows are actively contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction through their work. From public policy and economic innovation to mental health and technology development, their research reflects both resilience and relevance.
For example, previous fellows have studied innovative entrepreneurship during crises, helping to inform policies and strategies vital for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and academic infrastructure.
The MSCA4Ukraine programme remains a symbol of the European Union’s solidarity with Ukraine’s research and academic communities. By offering displaced scholars a lifeline to continue their work, the initiative not only protects individual careers but also strengthens the foundations for Ukraine’s future scientific and societal recovery.
