This is the edition of 29 October 2026. The dates and statuses below are as they stood on that day and may have changed since. Read the current edition.
This collection spans instruments relevant to researchers at different career stages, from those exploring doctoral training to those consolidating an independent research programme. Each call rewards careful planning and a strong alignment between the proposed research and the researcher's trajectory. Reading the descriptions closely and matching your profile to the right instrument is time well spent.
Of the five calls below, three are applied for by institutions or consortia, with individual positions recruited after the grant is awarded, and two are applied for directly by the individual researcher, together with a host organisation.
ERC Consolidator Grant
Open, closes 12 January 2027. ERC Consolidator Grant.
Who applies. The individual researcher applies directly, together with a chosen host organisation.
The ERC Consolidator Grant targets principal investigators who are building on demonstrated research independence and consolidating their own team or programme. It offers funding for up to 60 months, with the possibility of requesting additional funding for costs that are necessary to carry out the proposed work, provided these are justified in the proposal. For an early-career researcher with a growing track record, this instrument represents a significant opportunity to establish a sustained, ambitious research agenda.
Preparation step. Draft a preliminary case for why your research programme requires resources beyond the standard grant ceiling, since the call allows a justified request for additional funding; working through this exercise early will sharpen both your scientific narrative and your budget rationale before you approach a prospective host organisation.
Official topic page: ERC-2027-COG
MSCA COFUND 2027
Opens 8 December 2026, closes 6 April 2027. MSCA COFUND (doctoral programmes).
Who applies. Institutions or consortia apply. Individual positions are recruited openly after the grant is awarded.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND for doctoral programmes channels funding through organisations that design and run structured doctoral training. The expected outcomes emphasise a diverse skill set, international and interdisciplinary exposure, and stronger networking capacities for the candidates who are eventually recruited. For doctoral candidates, the positions that emerge from funded projects can offer a rich, multi-dimensional training environment.
Preparation step. Identify research organisations and universities that have previously coordinated or participated in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND doctoral programmes, follow their vacancy channels, and begin strengthening the parts of your profile (interdisciplinary breadth, communication experience) that align with the outcomes these programmes are designed to deliver.
Official topic page: HORIZON-MSCA-2027-COFUND-01-01
MSCA Choose Europe for Science 2027
Opens 8 December 2026, closes 6 April 2027. MSCA COFUND (postdoctoral programmes).
Who applies. Institutions or consortia apply. Individual positions are recruited openly after the grant is awarded.
This Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND call focuses on postdoctoral programmes under the Choose Europe for Science strand, with expected outcomes that include concrete career prospects, increased career stability, and greater researcher autonomy. Participating organisations commit to aligning their human resources practices with the European Charter for Researchers and related frameworks. Researchers who are eventually recruited into funded programmes can therefore expect structured career development support alongside their research.
Preparation step. Keep a running list of institutions known for participation in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral COFUND schemes, and monitor their announcements once grants from this call are awarded; in the meantime, familiarise yourself with the European Charter for Researchers, since funded programmes will be expected to reflect its principles in their recruitment and career progression practices.
Official topic page: HORIZON-MSCA-2027-COFUND-02-01
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027
Opens 7 April 2027, closes 8 September 2027. MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Who applies. The individual researcher applies directly, together with a chosen host organisation.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships support individual researchers in developing new skills, broadening their professional networks, and gaining international and inter-sectoral experience. The call also expects participating organisations to improve alignment with the European Charter for Researchers. For a postdoctoral researcher ready to propose a focused project, this fellowship can serve as a vehicle for both scientific growth and career diversification.
Preparation step. Before investing significant preparation time, verify the mobility rule and all eligibility conditions on the official topic page; then reach out to a prospective supervisor whose group complements your expertise, and co-develop a research outline that clearly articulates what new competences you will gain and how the fellowship will broaden your career trajectory.
Official topic page: HORIZON-MSCA-2027-PF-01-01
MSCA Doctoral Networks 2027
Opens 26 May 2027, closes 23 November 2027. MSCA Doctoral Networks.
Who applies. Institutions or consortia apply. Individual positions are recruited openly after the grant is awarded.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks fund consortia of organisations that jointly train doctoral candidates across sectors and disciplines. The expected outcomes highlight improved quality and relevance of doctoral training, enhanced cooperation between academic and non-academic partners, and stronger integration of research and training activities. Doctoral candidates recruited into these networks gain exposure to multiple institutional environments and working cultures.
Preparation step. Scout for research groups and organisations that regularly participate in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks by reviewing past funded projects in your field; once new grants from this call are awarded, these groups will advertise doctoral positions openly, so building a relationship with potential supervisors and refining your research interests to match their thematic focus can give your future application real substance.
Official topic page: HORIZON-MSCA-2027-DN-01-01
Deadlines, statuses, and call identifiers are drawn from the
EU Funding and Tenders Portal and were verified against it on the date shown above. Confirm each call's current status on its own topic page before you rely on it. These calls close at 17:00 Brussels time on their stated deadline. Clau is a free companion for doctoral candidates and early-career researchers that helps with the project text and application materials behind calls like these.