MSCA and Citizens 2027

Type of action: HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions MSCA and Citizens aims to bring research and researchers closer to the public at large, to increase awareness of research and innovation activities and to boost public recognition of science and research education. It will show the role of the researcher for the society and economy, as well as the impact of researchers’ work on citizens’ daily lives. It also aims to raise the interest of young people in research and scientific careers. MSCA and Citizens will address the general public, attracting people regardless of the level of their scientific background, with a specific focus on families, pupils, students, and notably those who do not have easy access to, and thus are less inclined to engage in, STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) or research activities. Inclusiveness should be key, in view of broadening access to science and research to all. MSCA and Citizens should also promote gender balance and inclusiveness in science, Open Science, and Responsible Research and Innovation. These objectives will be pursued through the organisation of the European Researchers’ Night and the implementation of the Researchers at Schools initiative. The European Researchers’ Night is the largest research communication and promotion event taking place across EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. A wide geographic coverage that reflects the European nature of this initiative is key. The Researchers at Schools initiative aims to strengthen the connection between research and education. It brings school classes to research facilities and researchers to schools or other pedagogical and educational centres, encouraging interaction with pupils at all levels of education. Researchers and pupils will meet to talk about current and future challenges of our societies and the related key role of research. Pupils will learn directly about research projects and activities addressing the EU priorities and main orientations. Expected impact Proposals under this Action should contribute to the following expected impacts: Enhance engagement with citizens on R&I; Increase awareness among the general public of the importance and benefits of R&I, especially EU-funded research, and its concrete impact on citizens’ daily life; Contribute to the diffusion and the promotion of excellence research projects across Europe and beyond by reaching citizens in as many participating countries as possible; Raise the interest of young people in science and research careers; Support school teachers and educators by showcasing real-life applications of research projects and creating a learning opportunity for pupils through a direct interaction with researchers. ">General conditions 1. Admissibility Conditions: described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 2. Eligible Countries: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. 3. Other Eligible Conditions The following additional eligibility criteria apply: Activities carried-out in non-associated third countries are not eligible for funding. described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds To ensure a balanced portfolio covering the widest geographical coverage with events and activities held in as many eligible countries as possible, grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to each application that is highest ranked per country based on where the coordinator is established (including trans-national consortia), provided that the applications attain all thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants Eligible costs may take form of lump sum contributions as stipulated in Decision of 11 March 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions and unit contributions for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under the Horizon Europe Programme. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the specific topic of the Work Programme Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE CSA) For Information only. You must use the form that you can download in the process of submitting the application once the Call is open. Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations  Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)  Guidance HE Programme Guide  Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA  Call-specific instructions  Detailed budget table (HE LS)  Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual  Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions  Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement