Transforming research ideas into competitive MSCA-PF proposals The G. d'Annunzio University Chieti-Pescara (Ud'A) is launching the first edition of the MSCA Ud'A Research Talent Lab, an intensive training programme to support high-potential Italian and international researchers who choose Ud’A as their Host Institution and submit a project proposal under the Marie Skłodowska Curie Action Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) call, within the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe 2021–2027 (HE). The call for applications opens on April 9th, with deadline on September 9th, 2026.The MSCA Ud'A Research Talent Lab is taking place fully online over 5 days, between May 14th and 21st. Open to 20 participants, it is structured as follows:Training on the MSCA PF programme and how to prepare the Application (May 14th and 15th, 2026)Practical workshop (May 18th, 19th, and 21st)Interviews with Ud'A researchers who have received funding and with University faculty members with experience in programme evaluation (May 19th) to receive helpful advice and suggestions on how to best draft the project proposalOne-on-one meetings between candidates and potential Ud'A Supervisors (May 21st)Applications to participate in the MSCA Ud'A Research Talent Lab 2026 can be submitted from Monday, March 16 to Thursday, April 16th, 2026. Programme and timeline MSCA Ud’A Research Talent Lab Programme | Available soon!MSCA Ud’A Research Talent Lab: Call for applications I Available soon!MSCA Ud’A Research Talent Lab Timeline | Available soon! Eligibility Criteria Who can apply Experienced researchers, holding a PhD by the call deadline, with up to 8 years of full-time research experience since obtaining their PhD, an excellent CV, and a solid track record demonstrating their scientific maturity and potential as a research leader (e.g. a publication without a PhD Supervisor, a publication as first or corresponding author, a monograph, active international mobility and collaborations), eager to take on such an ambitious challenge and collaborate with the University research teams.When submitting the application to the Ud’A MSCA Research Talent Lab, it is necessary you verify and select the type of Fellowship in which you wish to participate (European or Global) and ensure that, by the deadline for the MSCA-PF 2026 call (September 9, 2026), you meet the following requirements:Have obtained a Doctoral degree until the call deadline MSCA PF (9 September 2026) Have acquired a maximum of 8 years of full-time research experience since obtaining the doctorate (for the possibilities for extending the eligibility period provided for by the programme, please refer to the MSCA 2026 Work Program)Comply with the MSCA Mobility RuleFor the Global Fellowship (GF) scheme, be a European citizen or long-term resident; For the European Fellowship (EF) scheme, researchers of all nationalities may applySelect the "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti - Pescara as Host InstitutionEvaluation20 MSCA candidates will be admitted to the training programme.Candidates will be evaluated based on their research profile, the proposed idea, and the completeness of their application.Application SubmissionApplications may be submitted from Monday, March 16th, to Thursday, April 16th, 2026.Information on the procedures and required documents is available in the "Application Package" section. Application Package Before applyingCarefully check the list of required documentsContact a potential Supervisor at G. d'Annunzio University Chieti – Pescara to confirm your application.Application SubmissionThe application for the MSCA Ud’A Research Talent Lab training must be completed online using the form accessible here | Link Available soon!To correctly complete the form, we recommend to carefully read the GUIDELINES | Available soon!Mandatory AttachmentsCV TemplateShort Proposal TemplateResearcher's Commitment Template (the Applicant’s signature is required)Supervisor's Acceptance Letter Template (the Supervisor’s and Head of Department signature are required)The above-mentioned documents must be downloaded, completed, signed (where required), and sent by email to [email protected] no later than April 16th, 2026.The Supervisor's Acceptance Letter must be completed, signed by the Supervisor and the Department Director, and sent along with the above documentation.Incomplete applications, where any of the above files are missing, will not be accepted. Choose and Meet Ud'A Supervisors Candidates can contact the selected Supervisor directly. It is possible to view the list of University Departments and the Ud’A faculty members and researchers available to serve as Supervisors for MSCA‑PF applications: List of potential MSCA supervisors at the University | Available soon! List of University Departments U’dA Seal of Excellence – MSCA Ud’A is introducing a dedicated institutional support scheme for excellent MSCA-PF candidates whose proposals have not been funded due to budget constraints on the call, but score 85/100 or higher and receive the Seal of Excellence. Such initiative confirms the University strategic investment in research excellence and talentMore details available soon!