MSCA Introduction Meeting - Prof. Dr. Renat Bilyalov (October 21, 2024)

Who is Prof. Dr. Renat Bilyalov?
Prof. Dr. Renat Bilyalov is the Head of the Sector for Administration and Finance of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) at the European Commission's Research Executive Agency.

What is MSCA?

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are part of the Horizon Europe Program, aiming to strengthen the human potential in research and technology both quantitatively and qualitatively. The MSCA supports the career development of researchers, encourages international and cross-sectoral mobility, and positions Europe and countries like Turkey as attractive hubs for researchers.

MSCA provides innovative and excellent research training opportunities, attractive career and knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and international mobility programs that allow researchers to collaborate in their desired fields. The program includes mechanisms to support researchers at every career stage and age, including the following:

Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF):

These fellowships support researchers who have earned a PhD and have up to 8 years of research experience. Postdoctoral Fellowships provide funding for researchers working in or planning to return to Europe or conducting research outside Europe. Researchers in Turkey can also apply for funding to work in different countries.

Doctoral Networks (DN):

Doctoral Networks provide support for researchers who have not yet obtained their PhD. DN-funded projects enable partner organizations to conduct research on innovative topics and create research (PhD) positions. These projects hire and train PhD students, offering them grants and research support through European Commission funding.

Staff Exchanges (SE):

A mobility program open to researchers of all experience levels, Staff Exchanges facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technology, and expertise across sectors (academia/industry) and countries. These exchanges occur through consortia involving institutions in Turkey and Europe or other international partners.

Co-funding of Regional, National, and International Programs (COFUND):

COFUND supports organizations in Turkey that offer or intend to offer research fellowships. The program provides additional funding to enhance existing fellowship schemes or establish new ones at regional, national, and international levels. Successful proposals are funded by the European Commission, enabling national organizations to provide additional fellowship opportunities. For instance, TÜBİTAK 2236 Support Program is a COFUND project supported by the European Commission. Similarly, institutions such as Gazi University, METU, and IZTECH are running COFUND fellowship programs.