A new initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is now open to applications, offering €22.5 million in funding to support long-term research careers in Europe
Launched on 1 October 2025, the “Choose Europe for Science” call is part of a pilot programme designed to make research careers more attractive by addressing job insecurity in the sector.
By promoting good working conditions and offering stable career pathways, the scheme aims to help Europe retain its scientific talent and attract top researchers from around the world.
This “Choose Europe for Science” call focuses on long-term employment for postdoctoral researchers. Host institutions selected under the scheme will receive EU co-funding for up to the first three years of each researcher’s position. However, these institutions must also commit to continuing the employment for at least two additional years beyond the EU-funded phase.
This approach shows a shift from temporary research contracts towards more stable, career-building positions. Each participating organisation must recruit at least three postdoctoral researchers for a maximum period of five years.
Open to all scientific fields
The “Choose Europe for Science” call is open to applications from any field of research. Eligible organisations include universities, research centres, public institutions, companies (including SMEs), museums, hospitals, NGOs, and other legal entities established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
Each applicant organisation may request up to €3.5 million in funding. The goal is to fund cutting-edge research and also to ensure the long-term integration of talented researchers into the European Research Area (ERA).
Spreading best practice across Europe
In addition to supporting individual researchers, the initiative aims to disseminate MSCA’s best practices in areas such as recruitment, training, and working conditions. By requiring host institutions to commit to high standards and long-term employment, the scheme sets a new benchmark for quality and sustainability in research careers.
How and when to apply
Applications must be submitted by eligible organisations through the EU Funding & Tenders Opportunities Portal by 3 December 2025 at 17:00 CET. To help applicants prepare, an Information Session will be held on 9 October 2025 (14:00 – 16:30 CEST). This online event will provide practical guidance on how to develop strong proposals and will be especially useful for research office staff and national contact points.
Opportunities for research in 2026
For researchers, the first vacancies under this call are expected to appear on EURAXESS in the second half of 2026. These job listings will include practical information about working and living in Europe, including guidance on visas, pensions, and taxation, making the transition into European research institutions smoother for international talent.
Key dates
- 1 October 2025: Call opens
- 9 October 2025: Information Session
- 3 December 2025: Deadline to apply
- April 2026 (TBC): Notification of results
- Summer 2026 (TBC): First projects start
- Second half of 2026: Researcher job openings published
