Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship: From Academic Foundations to Funded Research — A Real Conversation with Anurag Verma

- By Farin Khatoon.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fellowship represents one of the most rigorous and internationally respected funding mechanisms for researchers aspiring to build independent, globally mobile scientific careers. Beyond financial support, MSCA embodies a philosophy of research excellence, structured training, and cross-border collaboration—principles that increasingly define successful scientific careers in Europe and beyond.

In this blog, we explore the fellowship not only through formal guidelines and application frameworks, but also through a grounded, real-world academic journey. Featured in this discussion is Anurag Verma, whose academic trajectory—from undergraduate physics training to advanced research in materials science—offers a candid perspective on what it truly takes to secure a Marie Curie–funded research position.

This blog complements an in-depth YouTube conversation where Anurag Verma speaks openly about preparation, setbacks, strategy, and mindset. Readers are strongly encouraged to watch the video for nuanced insights beyond written guidelines.

Understanding the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, funded under the Horizon Europe framework, support researchers across all disciplines, including Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Research. MSCA is structured to encourage:

• International and intersectoral mobility

• High-quality doctoral and postdoctoral training

• Long-term career development and research independence

Unlike conventional fellowships, MSCA emphasizes not only what research is conducted, but how researchers are trained to operate as future scientific leaders.

Academic Pathway: Building a Competitive Research Profile

A recurring theme in successful MSCA applications is progressive academic coherence—a clear, logical development of skills and research focus over time. Anurag Verma’s academic background reflects this principle:

• BSc (Hons) Physics, Banaras Hindu University (2023)

• MSc Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2025)

• PhD in Materials Science, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)

This progression highlights the importance of strong foundational training, exposure to rigorous research environments, and early engagement with international research ecosystems—all of which align closely with MSCA evaluation criteria.

What Makes MSCA Different from Other Fellowships?

From a reviewer’s perspective, MSCA proposals are evaluated on three major pillars:

1. Excellence – scientific quality, methodology, and applicant competence

2. Impact – career development, societal relevance, and dissemination strategy

3. Quality of Implementation – feasibility, supervision, and institutional support

In the YouTube discussion, Anurag emphasizes that MSCA is not awarded solely for academic brilliance. Instead, it rewards candidates who can articulate vision, demonstrate long-term career planning, and position their research within broader scientific and societal contexts.

Real Talk: What Official Documents Don’t Tell You

While official MSCA guidelines outline eligibility and structure, they rarely address the psychological and strategic challenges faced by applicants. In the featured conversation, Anurag speaks candidly about:

• Navigating uncertainty during application cycles

• Managing rejection and delayed outcomes

• Communicating research ideas to non-specialist reviewers

• Choosing mentors who invest in your growth, not just output

These insights are particularly valuable for early-career physicists who often underestimate the importance of storytelling, clarity, and self-advocacy in competitive funding landscapes.

When and How to Apply: A Strategic Perspective

For MSCA Doctoral Networks, candidates typically apply to advertised PhD positions once projects are funded. For Postdoctoral Fellowships, applicants must co-design a proposal with a European host supervisor and submit directly to the European Commission.

Preparation should begin 6–9 months before the deadline, with focused attention on:

• Identifying aligned host institutions

• Refining a concise yet ambitious research question

• Demonstrating transferable skills and leadership potential

Timing, preparation, and mentor alignment often matter as much as technical expertise.

Why You Should Watch the Full Conversation

This blog provides structure, but the YouTube video delivers substance through lived experience. Hearing Anurag Verma articulate his journey in his own words adds depth that no written guide can replicate. For students and early-career researchers in Physics and Materials Science, the discussion offers both practical guidance and much-needed reassurance.

▶️ Watch the full conversation on YouTube to gain an unfiltered understanding of what MSCA success looks like beyond application portals.

Final Thoughts

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship is not a shortcut—it is a strategic investment in scientific maturity. Success requires intellectual clarity, institutional alignment, and personal resilience. Through formal analysis and honest dialogue, this blog and the accompanying video aim to demystify the process and encourage more researchers—especially from underrepresented backgrounds—to pursue global research opportunities with confidence.

“I’d love to hear your thoughts—tell me in the comments how this blog and YouTube conversation helped you.”