The European Commission funds 16 projects to attract top researchers in Europe

The first projects selected through the pilot initiative "Choose Europe for Science" will support stable careers for postdoctoral researchers in fields such as AI, biomedicine, robotics, genomics, climate, energy, and advanced materials. The program has a funding of 20 million euros through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions under Horizon Europe.

The European Commission has selected the first 16 projects funded through "Choose Europe for Science", a pilot initiative aimed at attracting and retaining top researchers in the EU.

In short

1. The European Commission has selected the first 16 projects of the pilot initiative "Choose Europe for Science".

2. The program has a funding of 20 million euros through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, under Horizon Europe.

3. The initiative targets postdoctoral researchers in fields such as AI, biomedicine, robotics, genomics, climate, energy, and advanced materials.

4. The pilot call received 58 proposals, of which 49 were eligible for evaluation.

5. The first funded positions will be published on EURAXESS starting from September 2026, and recruitment will continue at the beginning of 2027.

The European Commission has announced the first 16 selected projects under the "Choose Europe for Science" initiative, a pilot program designed to attract and retain international-level researchers in the European Union.

The initiative targets areas considered essential for Europe, including artificial intelligence, biomedicine, robotics, genomics, climate, energy, and advanced materials. The program is funded with 20 million euros through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, part of the Horizon Europe research program.

The Commission presents the scheme as a tool through which postdoctoral researchers can benefit from more stable career paths, better working conditions, and long-term opportunities. The goal is to enhance Europe's attractiveness as a global destination for research and innovation.

The pilot call received 58 proposals, of which 49 were eligible for evaluation. The selected projects are coordinated by organizations from 9 countries.

The first funded positions will be published on the EURAXESS platform starting from September 2026. Recruitment will continue until the beginning of 2027.

"Through MSCA 'Choose Europe for Science', we are putting the Union of Competences into practice by creating better jobs and more solid career prospects for researchers across Europe. By supporting organizations that commit to providing stable jobs and high-quality working conditions, we help talents to develop, stay, and thrive in Europe," said Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Competences, Quality Jobs and Training, Roxana Menzatu.

The Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, stated that the initiative sends a message to researchers worldwide.

"'Choose Europe for Science' is a clear message to researchers around the world: choose Europe as a research destination. We are creating the conditions for excellent science, attractive careers, and long-term opportunities. I congratulate the selected candidates in the MSCA 'Choose Europe for Science' pilot call 2025. Your work will contribute to strengthening Europe's position as a top destination for research and innovation," said Ekaterina Zaharieva.

The program introduces a funding model through which participating organizations, including universities, receive European support to select and recruit postdoctoral researchers. These organizations will employ and train them during the projects.

The Commission supports that the model aims to provide more stable career paths and promote high standards in recruitment, supervision, training, and working conditions. The initiative is designed so that Europe attracts top researchers but also retains them in its scientific ecosystem.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions are one of the main tools of the European Union to support mobility, training, and career development for researchers. They are part of Horizon Europe, the EU's multiannual program for research and innovation.

The "Choose Europe for Science" initiative is linked to the Commission's goal of strengthening the European skills base, creating quality jobs, and enhancing the EU's position in the global competition for research, innovation, and strategic technologies.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/comisia-europeana-finanteaza-16-proiecte-pentru-a-atrage-cercetori-de-top-in-europa