MSCA Seal of Excellence awarded to 5 outstanding COFUND 2023 call proposals

The European Research Executive Agency (REA) received 106 applications for the 2023 call of co-funding for regional, national and international programmes (COFUND), the third under the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. 28 projects were selected to receive funding.

The European Commission awarded Seal of Excellence certificates to 5 projects that were not selected but scored 85% or higher in the assessment, of which 4 doctoral programmes and 1 postdoctoral programme.

Certificates were awarded to projects coordinated by institutions based in

• France (2)
• Croatia (1)  
• Ireland (1)
• Sweden (1)  

Push for alternative funding

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND scheme provides complementary funding for excellent doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programmes, which is topped-up by other funding sources.

COFUND spreads the MSCA’s best practices by enhancing researchers’ training and career development whilst promoting high standards and excellent working conditions. It promotes sustainable training and international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility. 

Next steps for successful applicants

Applicants with an evaluation score equal or above 85% have already received their certificate to support them in securing alternative funding from other sources.

Awardees have received a notification in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, where they can download their Seal of Excellence certificate.

A list of available support at national/regional level is available for MSCA Seal of Excellence holders. MSCA National Contact Points in your host country can also help finding alternative funding sources.

About the Seal of Excellence

Since 2021, MSCA COFUND proposals scoring 85% or higher in the evaluation are eligible to receive the European Commission’s Seal of Excellence.

The Seal of Excellence is a guarantee of the outstanding value of the research project, recognised by a comprehensive and thorough assessment process. Beneficiaries can use this award to obtain alternative funding for their doctoral or postdoctoral programmes.

Thanks to the MSCA Seal of Excellence, other funding bodies are in a position to leverage the Horizon Europe evaluation process if they wish. A proposal which has earned the MSCA Seal of Excellence may be supported by national, regional and institutional level schemes or European funds such as the cohesion policy funds or the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

The Seal of Excellence allows research institutions as well as national, regional or local authorities to implement a funding scheme in line with their own strategies and priorities. These schemes can thus help attract top talents from abroad as well as to increase the visibility and attractiveness of their host institutions at international level.

Next round of COFUND funding  

The call for proposals MSCA COFUND 2025 is open until 24 June 2025.

See more information on how to apply.