Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), a program funded under the European Union's Horizon 2020 initiative, represents the largest source of EU-funded research at the University of California. The MSCA program emphasizes international mobility, meaning that recipients of these funds spend part of their research project within the European Research Area (ERA) and then at an international location, such as a University of California campus.

The University is a "partner organization" for MSCA funding. A "beneficiary organization" from the ERA negotiates a grant agreement with the European Commission, and then awards a portion of the awards funds to a "partner organization" to support the mobility phase of the project.

Prior to Application Submission to the European Commission

Applicants for MSCA funding, whether they currently have an affiliation with UC or are contemplating an affiliation with UC, must work with the campus where the proposed work will take place prior to the application's submission by the beneficiary to the European Commission. The University conveys its endorsement of an application in the required "Letter of Commitment." Per page 34 of the Guide for Applicants, "These letters should be signed by the organisation's legal representative, or someone of equivalent authority."  

Only those authorized officials in campus Sponsored Projects/Contract and Grant Offices may officially sign letter of commitment on behalf of the University. Campus-based scientific mentors do not have the authority to sign a letter of commitments for MSCA applications. 

You can find links to each UC campus Sponsored Projects/Contract and Grant Office here.

Negotiating the Partnership Agreement

Prior to the commencement of any work under an MSCA award, the University and a beneficiary organization negotiate a "Partnership Agreement" that codifies the terms and conditions of a MSCA's funded researcher's time at the University. It is imperative that the appropriate Sponsored Projects/Contract and Grant Office is contacted prior to a researcher's arrival at the University.

The University has developed a standard set of terms and conditions for MSCA projects.

All MSCA projects must be managed on the assumption that all costs, direct and indirect, are covered by the beneficiary organization.