Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland. Photo credit: Jason Clarke Photography
On 4–5 November, delegates from across Europe gathered in Technological University Dublin for the MSCA Presidency Conference 2026, held as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hosted by Research Ireland and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the conference brought together more than 220 participants in person, with over 500 joining online, for two days of lively discussion about research careers in Europe.
Under the theme “Celebrating Mobility, Shaping Resilience”, the conference combined a forward-looking discussion on the future of research careers with a celebration of 30 years of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The timing was particularly apt, coming as Europe considers how best to attract, develop and retain research talent while looking ahead to the next EU Framework Programme.
Day one focused on what is needed in Europe to enhance the resilience of research careers. Discussions explored what the system needs to do to support researchers to build sustainable and fulfilling careers in a rapidly changing research and innovation landscape, from better career development and recognition of transferable skills to opportunities to move between academia, industry, policy and other sectors. Delegates also tackled some of the more complex challenges facing international research today, including geopolitical uncertainty, research security, scientific freedom and the continuing importance of international mobility and collaboration.
The afternoon moved from plenary discussion to action. In three parallel sessions, participants considered career transitions, intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility, and how Europe can become a more attractive destination for global research talent. The sessions were designed not simply to identify challenges, but to generate practical recommendations for institutions, funders and policymakers.
Day two changed the tempo, celebrating three decades of the MSCA and the people at the heart of its success. Researchers and alumni reflected on how mobility, networks, scientific freedom and fellowship had shaped their careers across countries, disciplines and sectors. The programme combined personal stories with a forward-looking question: after 30 years of supporting researchers to cross borders and build connections, what should the next chapter of the MSCA look like?
Stories of Success – Alumni Voices over 30 Years (L-R: Valeria Nicolosi, Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Tiago Brandão Rodrigues, University of Aveiro (Portugal), Joseph Mooney, Georgia Institute of Technology, WattAir (USA), Maria Górna, University of Warsaw (Poland), and Sandra Rebok, University of California San Diego (USA) and Marie Curie Alumni Association (Spain)). Photo credit: Jason Clarke Photography
In a unique cultural piece, delegates watched a live performance of I’m Not Finished Yet – an abstract exploration of the life and work of Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Devised and performed by Honi Cooke, Morgan Cooke and Zita Monahan McGowan, the performance brought together song and movement to evoke the curiosity, discovery and extraordinary imagination at the heart of Marie’s world.
The conference concluded by looking to the future and considering how the MSCA can continue strengthening Europe’s research talent pipeline and supporting more resilient and attractive research careers. The conversation will continue beyond Dublin. Contributions from speakers and delegates are being brought together into a conference report, including actionable policy recommendations for European institutions, national governments, funders, research organisations and other stakeholders.
Missed the conference?
The plenary sessions can still be watched on the Research Ireland YouTube channel, and further information on the conference is available on the MSCA Presidency Conference webpage.
For further information regarding MSCA activities contact yvonne.halpin@researchireland.ie and to find out more about Horizon Europe go to www.horizoneurope.ie
