RFPs: MSCA for Researchers at Risk Project 2024

Building on the available results of past and on-going Researchers at Risk initiatives which have strengthened support structures across the EU and provided some form of guidance for researchers at risk, further support is envisaged for scaling up and moving towards more customised support for researchers at risk based on the needs already identified in the national and EU initiatives implemented so far.

Lack of regular needs-based training and targeted networking activities remains a challenge for many researchers at risk in Europe without professional networks and direct sources of information addressing their specific needs.

The support action should be aligned with the general objectives of the MSCA, in particular scientific excellence, skills and career development, inter-sectoral mobility, equal opportunities and inclusiveness, attractive working conditions, work/life balance, while fostering open science, innovation and entrepreneurship. This action will place a specific focus on training and networking activities for researchers, in line with the MSCA priorities and as a step further in providing sustainable and needs-based professional development support for researchers at risk across Europe.

MSCA Support 

• MSCA Support includes a set of activities organised through calls for proposals to promote, support and complement the MSCA implementation. They will cover:
  • the exploitation of the MSCA contribution to EU policies and priorities;
  • the facilitation of cooperation between MSCA National Contact Points (NCPs);
  • the promotion of the MSCA at international level;
  • the support to European and national initiatives and programmes in support of researchers at risk.

Expected Impact

• Proposals under MSCA Support should contribute to some of the following expected impacts:
  • Ensure a coordinated and strategic monitoring, assessment and dissemination of the MSCA results and best practices vis-à-vis relevant EU priorities (including EU Missions) and ERA objectives;
  • Improve and further professionalise MSCA NCP services allowing a wider diffusion of the programme, lowering entry barriers for newcomers and increasing the overall quality of submitted proposals;
  • Contribute to a more strategic international cooperation in MSCA in line with R&I mutual interests and EU external policies;
  • Strengthen co-operation between European and national initiatives and programmes in support of researchers who are experiencing threats to their life, liberty, or research career, and those who are forced or have been forced to flee because of such threats.

Expected Outcome

• Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
  • More targeted and customised support for researchers at risk at European, national and institutional level;
  • Improved support to researchers at risk through the provision of policy recommendations, as well as advice and assistance on their implementation;
  • A more sustainable and professionalised support network/structure/system for researchers at risk across Europe, facilitating access to funding and networking opportunities, creating level playing field for applicants to European and national R&I programmes, and raising the quality of submitted proposals;
  • More synergies between initiatives supporting researchers at risk funded by EU programmes (such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+) and national or institutional actors;
  • Increased exposure of researchers at risk to the industry and to the non-academic sector notably through targeted networking events, professional training, mentoring and guidance;
  • Greater awareness in Europe and beyond on why researchers are at risk and ways to support them.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including legal entities from nonassociated third countries or international organisations (including international European research organisations) is eligible to participate (whether it is eligible for funding or not), provided that the conditions laid down in the Horizon Europe Regulation have been met.

Selection Criteria

• The assessment is based on the following criteria:
  • likelihood of interference from a non-associated third country, for example due to:
    • the characteristics of the entity’s ownership or governance (e.g. state-owned or controlled, government/party involvement);
    • the characteristics of the entity’s business and other conduct (e.g. a strong link to a third country government);
    • the characteristics of the respective third country (e.g. legislation or government practices likely to affect the implementation of the action, including an offensive cyber/intelligence policy, pressure regarding place of manufacturing or access to information).
  • (cyber-)security practices, including throughout the entire supply chain;
  • risks identified in relevant assessments of Member States and third countries as well as other EU institutions, bodies and agencies, if relevant.

For more information, visit EC.