The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support researchers of all nationalities, in all research areas, at any stage of their careers to take part in excellent research projects. Since its creation, the programme has placed a strong emphasis on promoting gender equality.

Supporting women in research

With female researchers making up 42% of the programme, the MSCA show remarkable results in supporting women in research and contributes to achieving full and equal access of women and girls to science. The programme has a vital role in supporting Europe’s progress towards achieving gender equality in research and innovation.

The recent 2021 She Figures show that, whilst the gender gap is shrinking in education, women are still under-represented in research and innovation careers. Whilst women represent 48% of doctoral graduates, only about one-third of researchers are women (33%), and they remain under-represented at the highest levels of the academic ladder, with about one-quarter (26%) holding a full professorship.

Role models

MSCA supervisors, coordinators and fellows are strong role models for girls and inspire women all over the world to follow their paths and reverse this situation. In 2020, a former MSCA fellow, Dr Emmanuelle Charpentier received the Nobel Prize in chemistry together with Ms. Jennifer A. Doudna. Maria Fatima Lucas, partner in the MSCA-RISE project B-LigZymes, won the European Prize for Women Innovators that same year.

Today, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022, the MSCA celebrate the talent and diversity of MSCA researchers, innovators, trailblazers, creators, and visionaries.

Read the interviews below with MSCA fellows embarking on exciting research.