Abstract

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Actions (MSCA PF) is a scheme that runs annually to support researchers and fund excellent research in any area and candidates of any nationality. Candidates must respect the eligibility and mobility criteria which have become increasingly more strict in Horizon Europe. The scheme funds 100% of the fellowships and is one of the most competitive and high paying fellowships globally which makes this scheme extremely attractive to candidates.
In this poster, I will present the managed process that was implemented by the ADAPT Centre in Ireland in order to increase our number of applications consistently over the last 2 years and avoid unknown last minute submissions where candidates have had very little instruction and support . In this context, ADAPT RMS’s took ownership of the entire process, by implementing tasks such as disseminating the opportunity and supervisors’ profiles; conducting writing sprints, reviews, and information sessions; while involving the academics only in the assessment of a candidate and further scientific direction during proposal development.
I aim to present the process and outline the strengths and weaknesses observed during its implementation. I will also provide a strong justification as to why your institution should also incorporate such a process whilst also identifying several alternative funding avenues available that may increase the chances of securing funding.
As learning outcomes of this poster, participants will be able to learn from our experience and replicate such a model and hopefully avoid the shortcomings we have encountered along this journey.