The first on-site MSCA-GLOPOL event in Tunisia brought together policymakers, researchers, and academic leaders to explore opportunities within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme.

Organised in collaboration with Tunisia’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), the Infoday gathered vice rectors, doctoral school directors, national contact points, and MSCA beneficiaries to discuss strategies for increasing Tunisia’s participation in Horizon Europe.

Strategic engagement

Opening speakers Mourad Bellassoued (Chief of Staff, MESRS) and Helmi Mardassi (Director General, UGPO Horizon Europe – MESRS) emphasised Tunisia’s unique position as an associated country and the opportunities this creates for deeper integration into the European Research Area.

Programme highlights

• MSCA funding opportunities – The Tunisian NCP team introduced available funding schemes
• MSCA-GLOPOL project overview – Ahmed Maalel, Regional Liaison Officer, outlined project objectives and future actions
• European Commission insights – Sohail Luka, Policy Officer at the MSCA Unit (DG EAC), provided practical advice on strengthening proposals
• Success stories – Olfa Masmoudi (University of Tunis El Manar) and Samia Gargouri (National Institute of Agronomic Research) shared their experiences with the PsyCoMed and i-TexGeo projects

Looking ahead

Participants discussed strategies to improve proposal quality, diversify participation across MSCA schemes, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector. Key recommendations included:

• Encouraging Tunisian institutions to host postdoctoral fellows
• Engaging the private sector in areas of research excellence
• Leveraging Tunisia’s strategic position as one of the only Arab and African countries associated with Horizon Europe

Tunisia has already achieved notable success, participating in three MSCA Doctoral Networks and increasing involvement from top-ranked institutions. The event reinforced the country’s commitment to building research excellence through international collaboration.