University of Padua MSCA MaRaThoN Training Program

International researchers planning to apply for the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships now have an excellent preparation opportunity through the MSCA MaRaThoN – Master your Research and Training Needs program hosted by the University of Padua in Italy.

This intensive training program is designed to help experienced researchers prepare a competitive proposal for the Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship. Through interactive workshops and expert-led sessions, participants will learn how to develop strong research proposals aligned with **European Commission funding standards.

The program brings together talented researchers from around the world who wish to submit their MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship applications with the University of Padua as their host institution.

Program Overview

The MSCA MaRaThoN is a high-level proposal development training program focused on improving researchers’ chances of securing one of Europe’s most competitive postdoctoral fellowships.

Participants will receive guidance on:

• Structuring a successful MSCA proposal

• Writing the excellence, impact, and implementation sections

• Aligning research projects with Horizon Europe priorities

• Developing strong collaboration with host research groups

The program is organized by the University International Research Office at the University of Padua and has become a flagship training initiative for researchers preparing for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Host Institution

The program takes place at the University of Padua, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy. The university hosts numerous Marie Curie fellows and offers a dynamic research environment across multiple disciplines.

Researchers selected for the program will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading research groups and interdisciplinary networks within the university.

Program Duration

The MSCA MaRaThoN training program runs for three days, where participants will attend:

• Intensive proposal writing workshops

• Interactive training sessions

• Research networking opportunities

• Proposal evaluation guidance

The training helps researchers refine their proposals before submitting them to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship call.

Although MSCA MaRaThoN is a training program rather than a direct scholarship, it provides significant benefits for researchers aiming to secure MSCA funding.

Participants will receive:

• Expert guidance on writing competitive MSCA proposals

• Direct preparation for Horizon Europe Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Opportunities to connect with research groups at the University of Padua

• Increased chances of securing European Commission-funded fellowships

• Access to the MSCA research community

Researchers whose proposals receive the Seal of Excellence with a high score may also qualify for alternative institutional funding programs at the University of Padua.

This program targets researchers applying for:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Applicants must already hold a PhD degree and be interested in conducting research abroad through the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship scheme.

The MSCA MaRaThoN program is open to researchers from all academic disciplines, including:

• Natural Sciences

• Engineering and Technology

• Social Sciences

• Humanities

• Health Sciences

• Environmental Sciences

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions encourage interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

To apply for the MSCA MaRaThoN program, applicants must:

• Hold a PhD degree

• Be experienced researchers planning to apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Intend to submit their fellowship proposal with the University of Padua as the host institution

• Meet the mobility requirements under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

• Be available to attend the full training program

Researchers from any nationality and discipline are eligible to apply.

The application process for the MSCA MaRaThoN training program involves several steps.

Step 1: Identify a Research Supervisor

Applicants should first identify a potential research group or supervisor at the University of Padua whose work aligns with their research idea.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Candidates should prepare the following:

• Academic CV

• Research concept or project idea

• Information relevant to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Applicants must complete the online application form through the official MSCA MaRaThoN webpage of the University of Padua.

Step 4: Await Selection Results

Selected participants will be invited to attend the intensive training sessions and refine their MSCA proposals.

Why This Program Matters

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship funded by the European Commission is considered one of the most prestigious postdoctoral funding opportunities in Europe. It provides:

• Competitive salary

• Mobility allowance

• Research funding

• International research collaboration

Participating in the MSCA MaRaThoN program significantly increases the chances of developing a successful fellowship proposal.

Application Deadline

Applications for the MSCA MaRaThoN program must be submitted before the official deadline on the University of Padua website.

Researchers interested in applying for the Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship are strongly encouraged to participate in this training program to improve their proposal success rate.