The Director of the Islands and Small States Institute (ISSI) at the University of Malta, Prof. Stefano Moncada, and Marie Curie Research Officer Dr Pedro Manuel Sobral Pombo have participated in a podcast episode from the Euraxess Smart Talks podcast series. They share how their journey with MSCA began and how they successfully navigated the application process. They discuss what it takes to develop a strong proposal, the realities of balancing research with administrative and mentoring responsibilities, and how their projects have evolved over time. They also reflect on lessons learned, offer advice for young researchers considering MSCA, and provide guidance for organisations working within the programme. It is a thoughtful exploration of MSCA from application to impact.
The podcast can be accessed online.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCAs) are the European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers. MSCAs support research excellence, mobility, and collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines. They offer funding for doctoral training, postdoctoral fellowships, staff exchanges, and co-funded programmes, fostering career development at all stages. MSCA strengthens the European Research Area by promoting knowledge transfer and building global networks between academia, industry, and society, making it a cornerstone of EU research and innovation policy.
On its part, the ISSI promotes research and training on economic, social, cultural, ecological and geographical aspects of islands and small states.