Individual "Marie Curie Actions" support the mobility of researchers in and beyond Europe, and encourage top scientists to conduct research in the EU.

The EC Representation in Poland reminded in the release sent to PAP that "Marie Curie Actions" are aimed to promote research careers in Europe by funding programs managed by the Research Executive Agency of the European Commission. Candidates apply via the website: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/page/funding

"Marie Curie Actions" budget for the period 2007-2013 is € 4.7 billion. Nearly half of the money (48 percent) is spent on the financing of doctoral studies, and 24 percent on scholarships for researchers with more than four years of work experience after completing Masters. The remaining funds are used to fund partnerships between businesses and universities, integration grants for career development (for scientists returning to the EU), exchange programs and specific support actions, such as the EC’s Researchers\' Night.

Since 2007, researchers working in 50 countries, representing over 90 nationalities have been awarded over 4 thousand "Marie Curie" grants.

"About 780 million euros have been allocated to individual grants, and the average grant amounted to 195 thousand euros. The grant usually covers a two-year salary of a scientist, relocation allowance, costs of research and general expenses of the host institution" - reads the release. About 37 percent beneficiaries are women. The main countries, where +Marie Curie+ fellows conduct research, include: United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany and Switzerland. 75 other countries also host grantees of "Marie Curie Actions".

What are individual scholarships? According to the EC Representation, individual researchers submit applications for funding in collaboration with the future host organization. Independent experts select researchers who receive funding based on their achievements, innovative research and training approach, the support offered by the host organization and the researcher\'s career prospects.

There three types of individual grants are funded.

"Intra-European Fellowships for career development", " International Outgoing Fellowships for career development", " International Incoming Fellowships for career development".

After 2014, individual grants will continue to be awarded as part of the "Marie Curie Actions" of "Horizon 2020". "Details of the program are still being discussed by Member States and the European Parliament. The European Commission predicts that the publication of the first calls for applications for individual grants will follow before the end of 2013" - the EC Representation announced in the press release.

PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland

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