Tips for Proposal Writing

How to write a successful MSCA proposal.

Close-up of a checklist with entries checked off in blue, next to it a ballpoint pen.

Adobe Stock / Ralf Geithe

Analyses of the MSCA calls for proposals offer the best insights into proposal writing. For the time being, it is worthwhile to take a look at the analyses of the respective calls under Horizon 2020. Since the MSCA have not seen too many changes in Horizon Europe, the strengths and weaknesses listed in these analyses can still serve as a useful orientation for proposal writing. We will inform you about the publication of future call analyses in our newsletter (available in German only).

In addition, we recommend to follow the instructions in the application template closely and to use the respective Guide for Applicants. Only if you strictly adhere to the requirements will your proposal be comparable for the evaluators. Furthermore, we would advise you to ask your colleagues – even from different disciplines – to read your proposal and give feedback.

Please do not hesitate to contact the National Contact Point with your finalised proposal. We proofread proposals with German host institutions (Postdoctoral Fellowships) or with German coordinating institutions (Doctoral Networks, Staff Exchanges, COFUND, MSCA and Citizens) and use our extensive experience with the MSCA to recommend improvements. In our newsletter we will communicate the dates by which your proposal must reach us to guarantee a timely proofreading.