MCAA new horizon: Enhancing the impact of MSCA Alumni on the European Research Landscape

Project Information

MCAA-new-horizon

Grant agreement ID: 101086922

DOI

10.3030/101086922

Project closed

EC signature date 27 October 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

€ 2 387 500,00

EU contribution

€ 2 387 500,00

Coordinated by

MARIE CURIE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MCAA-new-horizon (MCAA new horizon: Enhancing the impact of MSCA Alumni on the European Research Landscape)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2023-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The overall objective of the MCAA New Horizon project is to support the operations and goals of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), while providing additional services to increase the impact of theMarie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. This will be achieved by supporting the activities of the MCAA governing bodies and improving the coordination and the implementation of activities of its Working Groups and geographical Chapters. The project will also help MCAA members in relevant activities related to their career development and will be involved in continuing education. Another project objective is to provide feedback, recommendations and advice to the European Commission and other EU institutions on topics affecting research and researchers. Finally, the project aims to engage, collaborate and network with members in MCAA initiatives and promote dialogue between research and society.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During Y1, the MCAA has succeeded in providing support to the career development of its members, in particular regarding:
Education and training: including through the direct organisation of training courses as well as the provision of financial support to attend external training courses and the allocation of licenses to enrol in courses provided through online education platforms.
Career advancement: including through the dissemination of information on jobs, collaborations and funding opportunities, and the development of an internal mentoring programme)
Networking: including through the organisation of 120+ events and gatherings organised by the MCAA, its Working Groups and geographical Chapters, the recruitment of new members, the update of members’ profiles in the database, and the communication of MCAA activities through different channels)

The MCAA has helped to shape the political and scientific landscape affecting the work and education of researchers and related professions through:
The elaboration and circulation of recommendations to the European Commission and other institutions
Collaboration with other stakeholder organisations for the development of common positions on relevant policy issues
The participation in third-party events representing the MSCA community

The MCAA has significantly improved its internal capacity, through:

The setting up of an Operational Team responsible for the daily management of the Association and of the MCAA community (members, WG&C)
The review and redesign of internal workflows and processes and the implementation of new management tools

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the project's first year, the MCAA successfully hosted its Annual Conference in Cordoba, Spain, using a hybrid format that attracted 43% more participants than in 2022, totalling over 400 online and onsite. The diverse attendees represented 50 countries and various professional backgrounds. Additionally, the MCAA enhanced collaborations with global and European organizations, such as the International Science Council (ISC), actively participating in events and providing valuable feedback.

Throughout the past year, MCAA demonstrated its commitment to communication and knowledge dissemination by publishing four newsletters, an annual magazine, multiple blog articles, and organizing globally accessible webinars and podcasts. Furthermore, the association took the initiative to publish a book covering diverse topics, showcasing its dedication to advancing knowledge and engaging with a broad audience.

MCAA Mission, Vision and Goal