The list of FAQs, which contains questions for the current Framework Programme (Horizon Europe), is updated with questions taken from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Q&A Blog. Make sure that you visit the blog for the latest FAQs on MSCA.

For MSCA FAQs pertaining to the previous Framework Programme (Horizon 2020) visit the old blog which the project will also update on a regular basis.

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COFUND

The deadlines and procedures are set out in the evaluation result letter. For more information on complaints about proposal rejection: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Complaints+about+proposal+rejection.

Doctoral Networks

Economic/ technological and Societal impact sub-sections in 2.4 are linked to the (economic) impact. What impact the project results, not only in terms of research results but also in terms of the results of the programme as such (e.g. new concept of training, new approach, etc.).

This section is linked to the European Innovation CAPACITY. It is not focusing on IMPACT (which is strongly linked to the project results) but on CAPACITY or creating critical mass. Thus this section is more linked to the delivery of uniquely trained researchers in a certain topic. This can contribute to the CAPACITY (e.g. next generation researchers that have unique and improved skills and level of expertise compared to the researchers today in and outside Europe, etc.).

For Table 3.1d in case of one researcher with split/ multiple recruitments, the applicant can complete the table only once, listing both/ all recruitments. The same goes for table 1.3a provided that the table is clear and easy to understand and has the information about the two recruitments per fellow.

It would be good to have the eight elements listed on p. 82 of the Work Programme 2021-2022 already in the proposal, however, if the applicants don’t have enough space, REA will add them at the grant agreement preparation phase.

If the fellow was 1) performing their main activity in the lab based abroad and they were physically present there, and/ or 2) they were also residing abroad, then they should be considered eligible for France.

MSCA & Citizens (Night)

All Open Science aspects are moved under Excellence in the methodology. Open Access should not be described under Impact and Dissemination as it is assessed under Excellence.

This requirement should be applicable to beneficiaries and not to associated partners.

For calls with deadlines in 2022 and beyond, once a project proposal is selected for funding following evaluations, consortium partners concerned by the eligibility criterion will have until Grant Agreement signature to confirm they have a GEP in place.

For calls with deadlines in 2022 and beyond, once a project proposal is selected for funding following evaluations, consortium partners concerned by the eligibility criterion will have until Grant Agreement signature to confirm they have a GEP in place.

This is mainly for statistics purposes.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

If the same tasks and objectives are planned at both places it would be strange to put one as a ‘short visit’ and the other one as a ‘secondment’. The applicant should clarify if there is real interest from the supervisor to host for two months, otherwise, it will jeopardize the project plan. Or they have to change the objectives to fit a real short stay.

Yes, a secondment to the JRC is possible in the 2022 MSCA PF Call.

The change would be implemented from the time the allowance is or is no longer eligible according to the documentation. So if the divorce comes into force on 1September, then that is the month the researcher is no longer eligible for the family allowance.

Yes, if the situation of the researcher changes, the Family Allowance can become ineligible. If the relationship is no longer bound through marriage/ other legal agreement, then they are no longer eligible to receive the allowance.

The researcher is obligated to inform of this change of situation if it occurs.

Yes, it is possible to split the secondment, both in different periods and at different entities. It should always be planned so that it makes the most sense regarding the project and the researcher, e.g. they should consider if a very short secondment will give them the added value of a network.

Staff Exchanges

Timesheets and declarations are not requested in MSCA projects (contrary to other Horizon Europe actions based on actual costs). To prove that the researcher worked on their MSCA project, it is sufficient to present a contract with the host institution together with additional documents proving the fellow’s dedication to the project, if needed.

Moreover, declarations are not allowed by the auditors. REA has confirmed that the declaration on exclusive work is not applicable for audits carried out in MSCA ITN, IF and COFUND actions to determine time spent working on the action. It is expected this will continue in Horizon Europe.

As outlined in the H2020 Indicative Audit Programme, such evidence may include lab books, attendance lists, conference abstracts, library records, travel expenses, timesheets, reports to supervisor, meeting minutes, e-mail exchanges, etc. and other open sources (e.g. the internet) to see if the researcher worked on activities other than their  project. The auditors will also look at the researcher’s employment contract or corresponding agreement to see if it complies with Article 32 of the H2020 Annotated Model Grant Agreement, including but not limited to the obligation that the researcher works exclusively for the action.

Fellows need documentation in the form of a contract that shows the 50% commitment or something similar since MSCA does not typically operate with timesheets.

Organisations can only encode secondments that are eligible for EC funding. So organisations could encode the secondments going to the UK, but not those from the UK to a beneficiary. It is the dates included in the mobility declarations (previously researchers’ declarations) which are used for financial reporting.  

The researcher is eligible to participate, the change of status does not affect their eligibility.

The UK partners will be funded with the UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee, in line with the original budget line. They will no longer be able to be included as a beneficiary but will need to become Associated Partners (APs).  Secondments to UK APs from Member States (MS) and/ or Associated Countries (AC) will be funded by the EC as originally foreseen in the proposal. Secondments from UK APs to MS/ AC/ other APs will be funded via UKRI, in line with the budget line and secondment plan in the proposal. Secondments from another AP to the UK will also be funded via UKRI.