Objective of the Programme
The objective of the programme is to increase the number and the quality of applications submitted to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 scheme by supporting early-career researchers of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) in the preparation of project proposals. The programme focuses on the formal and procedural aspects of application, including expert consultations, training, and establishing contacts with potential tutors and project managers.
Successful applicants must submit an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships proposal in September 2026!
Eligibility criteria
- The applicant must be an employee of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS).
- The applicant must have completed doctoral studies and obtained a PhD degree no later than the date of submission of the application. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded the degree are also eligible.
The applicant may have a maximum of eight years of research experience since the award of the PhD. Career breaks are not included in this limit.
Financial and Administrative Rules
- The programme will follow the financial rules entitled “Financial Rules for Awarding SAS Grants for International Research Projects.”
- Personnel costs are not eligible.
- Of the operating costs, only the following are eligible: travel costs, expenses for other services, in particular consultations and advisory services related to project writing (e.g. project management, tutoring).
Support
- Financial support of EUR 3,000 per applicant, which may be used for:
- expert consultations (project management, tutoring),
- travel expenses related to project preparation,
- other services related to improving the qualitative aspects of the project proposal.
The programme will also include training, which is recommended. Training will be provided by:
- the Department of Science and Research of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
Financial Allocation for 2026
- Total budget for the programme: EUR 21,000.
- Support will be provided to a maximum of 7 applicants.
Call Timeline
- 1 January 2026 – Opening of the call
- 6 February 2026 – Training for applicants
- 13 March 2026 – Closing of the call
- 27 March 2026 – Selection of successful applicants
- April 2026 – Approval by the Presidium of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
- May 2026 – Grant payment
- September 2026 – Submission of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships project
Application Submission
The completed application form must be submitted electronically no later than 13 March to the following email addresses:
ludmila.dolna@urad.sav.sk
Please copy: zuzana.panczova@urad.sav.sk (Vice-President of SAS for International Relations).
Evaluation
Projects will be evaluated by an internal committee of experts for the assessment of project intentions.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of International Cooperation:
ludmila.dolna@urad.sav.sk