The European Commission has announced the launch of the MSCA Choose Europe for Science 2025 – COFUND Postdoctoral Programme, an action of the Horizon Europe programme that aims to foster programmes for the recruitment and development of postdoctoral research talent in Europe.
The call will open on 1 October 2025 and will remain open until 3 December 2025 (17:00 Brussels time). This is an MSCA COFUND action, aimed at public or private entities wishing to establish or strengthen their own programmes for the recruitment and development of doctoral researchers.
Objectives of the call
- To address the brain drain and job insecurity in the research career.
- Attract highly qualified young talent to Europe.
- To offer stable, multidisciplinary and long-term career prospects.
- Align institutional programmes with the European Charter for Researchers and the December 2023 Council Recommendation on attracting and retaining research talent in Europe.
Programmes should include two phases: a first phase (24-36 months) co-funded by the EU with a guaranteed minimum salary, and a second phase (24 months) funded by the applicant organisation, with competitive working conditions and lasting contractual prospects.
Key features
- Open to all scientific disciplines.
- Selection of candidates based on excellence, with competitive and transparent procedures.
- Focus on researchers’ careers, including transversal training, teaching, management and transferable skills.
- Requires an individualised Career Development Plan for the duration of the programme.
