From launch to global impact in seven months

As we go into  2026, we want to reflect on what has been an incredible first year for the MSCA-GLOPOL project. When we launched in June, our mission was clear: to strengthen international cooperation in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) across 20 countries and six strategic regions. Seven months later, we are proud of how far we have come. Delivered by PRACSIS and the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), this partnership of expertise ensures relevance and impact for the global research community.

Our global network: people on the ground

The strength of MSCA-GLOPOL lies in its people. Our work is supported and guided by a diverse network of experts and stakeholders from around the world.

At the heart of our project is the Regional Liaison Network, our key asset for creating global impact. Our team of 16 Regional Liaisons is strategically placed on the ground to cover our 26 target geographies. They are more than representatives; they are local experts with deep national and regional knowledge. Throughout 2025, they have mapped and engaged key stakeholders and led promotional activities to boost participation in the MSCA.

In each region, we have established Coordinated MSCA Promotion Groups that bring together key local actors, including National Contact Points, EURAXESS representatives, and local MCAA Chapters. These groups work together to create synergies and coordinate the promotion of MSCA opportunities.

A year of events and connections

The second half of 2025 saw our promotional activities gain real momentum. Some highlights:

• Science Forum South Africa: In November, over 30 participants joined our side event in  Pretoria to explore MSCA opportunities for South African researchers and institutions. 
• MSCA National Info Day in Egypt: We helped promote funding opportunities to the Egyptian research community.
• AI Bridge in Tokyo: We connected international researchers with Japan’s AI start-up scene at Europa House.
• Eastern Partnership engagement: From Armenia to Ukraine, we supported events that brought the MSCA closer to researchers in the region.
• MSCA-GLOPOL flagship event in Latin America and the Caribbean : Held in Mexico in October, this flagship event connected researchers and institutions from across Latin America with funding opportunities, making a major step forward for transatlantic collaboration. 
• Western Balkans webinar: We explored how researchers from the region can become Horizon Europe evaluators.

What we have learned

In 2025, our stakeholders proved essential in adapting our messages to different research cultures and contexts. We also learned the power of partnerships, as working with the MCAA Chapters, Regional Liaisons, EURAXESS offices, National Contact Points, and EU Delegations amplified our reach far beyond what we could achieve alone.

Looking ahead

In 2026, we will expand our event programme, deepen stakeholder engagement through surveys and focus groups, and develop policy insights to inform the future of the MSCA. Our goal remains the same: to help more researchers and institutions benefit from the opportunities the MSCA offers.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us and followed our journey in 2025. We look forward to a new year, filled with more opportunities for international research collaboration!