MSCA and Citizens

Overview

MSCA and Citizens is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe’s Pillar 1: Excellent Science. It funds projects that raise awareness of research and innovation activities and show the role of the researcher in society and the economy, including how research affects everyday life.

It supports activities for the public, with a particular focus on families, pupils and students. It also aims to encourage young people to consider research and scientific careers.

Projects are delivered through the European Researchers’ Night and the Researchers at Schools initiative.

Who this is for

MSCA and Citizens is for organisations that want to deliver public engagement and science communication activities. It may be suitable for:

higher education institutions
research institutions and infrastructures
museums, scientific centres and festivals
science communication companies
organisations involved in science engagement
local, regional and national governments, education authorities and agencies
other socio-economic actors.

Projects can be delivered by one single beneficiary or consortia of several organisations that can reach different public audiences.

What this could help you do

An MSCA and Citizens project could help you:

organise public engagement activities
take part in European Researchers’ Night
bring researchers into schools and education settings
increase public awareness of research and innovation
show the role of researchers in society and the economy
encourage young people to explore research careers
promote inclusion, gender balance, Open Science and Responsible Research and Innovation.

What you can get

MSCA and Citizens provides funding for outreach, engagement and communication activities linked to research and innovation. Funding can support:

expenses linked to the organisation of events that can last up to two days
pre-events and related post-events, such as wrap-up meetings or small-scale follow-up events

Typically, the activities are structured around 4 work packages:

awareness campaign
activities during the Night
impact assessment
management

Eligible costs will take the form of lump sum contributions. The exact funding rules and eligible costs are set out in the latest MSCA Work Programme document and call documents (PDF).

What proposals are eligible

Projects should bring research and researchers closer to the public.

They should aim to reach broad audiences, including people who may not usually engage with science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics or research activities.

Projects should also show how they will promote inclusiveness, gender balance, Open Science and Responsible Research and Innovation.

The full eligibility rules, budget and timing are set out in the call documents.

Public engagement activities

MSCA and Citizens supports activities that make research visible, accessible and engaging.

This can include events, workshops, demonstrations, school activities, talks, exhibitions, hands-on activities and other formats that help people connect with research and researchers.

The European Researchers’ Night is the main public event supported through this action and takes place across EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries.

Teams and partners

Projects can involve a wide range of partners across research, education, culture, public engagement and communication at regional, national or international level.

Partners may include universities, research organisations, schools, museums, science centres, businesses, public bodies and civil society organisations.

The partnership should show how it will reach the intended audiences and deliver engaging, inclusive activities.

Funding in practice

Taking science into schools and communities

The SEARCH project uses talks, demonstrations, hands-on experiments, school activities and other events to bring researchers and their work closer to the public. It engages teachers, pupils and communities and encourages young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The project was funded through MSCA and Citizens, which supports European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools activities.

View the SEARCH project on their website

Next steps and support

Read about Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions — policy, strategy, how to apply and work programmes on their website.
Find out if you are eligible to apply, read about the scheme and what the funding covers by visiting the MSCA and Citizens — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website.
Read the MSCA and Citizens application guidance for more information on how to plan and prepare your proposal in 6 steps on their website.
For further guidance and support with your application contact your NCP for MSCA.

Find MSCA and Citizens calls

The next MSCA and Citizens call is forthcoming. The call is expected to open on 9 March 2027, with a deadline of 8 June 2027, 17:00 CEST. Check the latest call page for confirmed dates, budget and application documents.

MSCA and Citizens call page in EU funding and tenders portal
(external link)

To apply for funding through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, you need an EU Login account. If you do not already have one, register for an EU Login account on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.

Your organisation also needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC) to be included as a participant in a funding application and to manage the grant if the application is successful. If your organisation does not yet have one, find out how to register your organisation and get a PIC on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.

Last updated: 9 September 2026