MSCAdvocacy visits Algeria in an attempt to strengthen the country’s research mobility cooperation with the EU through MSCA

The meeting, held at the Centre de Recherche sur l’Information Scientifique et Technique (CERIST) and hosted by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, brought together around 30 participants. Attendees included representatives from EURAXESS Africa, Horizon Europe NCPs, as well as other EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and COST. University representatives from institutions such as Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene, Université Ahmed Ben Bella Oran 1, Université des Frères Mentouri Constantine I, Université Kasdi Merbah Ouargla, Université Mohamed Khider Biskra, Université Amar Thelidji Laghouat, Université Abderrahmane Mira Bejaia, Université Mohamed Bougara Boumerdes, Université Setif 1, Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, were also present.

The discussion focused on expanding the range of MSCA opportunities available in Algeria. Participants identified potential synergies for collaboration between MSCA and other EU programmes, such as ERASMUS+. It was emphasised that strategic promotion efforts are crucial to engage top research organisations in Algeria that have not yet participated in the MSCA. Additionally, there was a call for increased promotional activities to generate interest from the private sector, which is currently underrepresented among MSCA stakeholders in the country.

Current funding opportunities for Algerian entities and researchers

The Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions offer fellowships for postdoctoral researchers from Algeria to spend up to two years in a European group, or for European researchers to spend up to two years in an Algerian laboratory. The call for postdoctoral researchers will open on 10 April 2024 and close on 11 September 2024.

The MSCA also offer opportunities for Algerian institutions to participate in Doctoral Training Networks (next call: 29 May 2024 – 27 November 2024) and Staff Exchange consortia  (19 September 2024 – 5 February 2025).

Useful links

For more information & learn how to get involved in the Algeria-EU R&I cooperation

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Algerian MSCA National Contact Point

EURAXESS Africa

Africa Chapter of the Marie Curie Alumni Association

Teaser image: Daoud Abismail, Unsplash

Participants of the meeting at the Centre de Recherche sur l’Information Scientifique et Technique (CERIST) in Algiers, Algeria © EURAXESS Africa