The next MSCA and Citizens call is officially scheduled to open on 9 March 2027 and close on 8 June 2027 at 17:00 CEST. The call will fund projects organising the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools activities in 2028 and 2029.
MSCA and Citizens 2027 Call
MSCA and Citizens is the Horizon Europe action that funds public engagement with research through the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools. The 2027 call will support two consecutive editions of these activities in 2028 and 2029.
| Call | MSCA and Citizens 2027 |
|---|---|
| Reference | HORIZON-MSCA-2026-CITIZENS-01 |
| Opening date | 9 March 2027, 00:00 CET |
| Deadline | 8 June 2027, 17:00 CEST |
| Indicative budget | €15.71 million (TBC) |
| Activities funded | European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools |
| Implementation period | Projects begin from 2028; activities cover 2028 and 2029 editions |
| Current status | Forthcoming / upcoming |
What the Call Is Designed to Achieve
The action aims to bring research and researchers closer to the public, increase awareness of research and innovation, and strengthen public recognition of science and research education.
- show the value and impact of research on citizens’ daily lives;
- raise young people’s interest in science and research careers;
- engage families, pupils, students and wider public audiences;
- reach groups with lower access to science and research activities;
- promote inclusiveness, gender balance, Open Science and Responsible Research and Innovation; and
- strengthen interaction between researchers, schools and society.
Who Can Apply?
The official MSCA action page states that applications are submitted on behalf of an organisation or consortium. Detailed legal, country and consortium conditions are governed by the official call documents and Funding & Tenders Portal rules.
Typical organisations involved in this action can include universities, research organisations, science-engagement institutions, public bodies, education organisations and other entities capable of delivering large-scale public-engagement activities, subject to the final call eligibility conditions.
What Activities Are Funded?
| European Researchers’ Night | Large public-facing research communication and promotion events across EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, typically combining exhibitions, experiments, demonstrations, debates, games and direct interaction with researchers. |
|---|---|
| Researchers at Schools | Activities bringing researchers into primary and secondary education settings so pupils can interact directly with researchers and learn about current scientific challenges, careers and EU research priorities. |
The 2027 call will fund projects that deliver these activities across two consecutive years, 2028 and 2029.
Indicative Budget and Timeline
| Call opens | 9 March 2027 |
|---|---|
| Submission deadline | 8 June 2027, 17:00 CEST |
| Indicative budget | €15.71 million (TBC) |
| Expected applicant notification | November 2027 (TBC) |
| Expected grant agreement signature | December 2027 (TBC) |
| Expected project start | January 2028 (TBC) |
Because several timeline elements are marked tentative by the European Commission, applicants should use the Funding & Tenders Portal as the controlling source once the call formally opens.
How Organisations Should Prepare
- Identify whether your institution will coordinate alone or build a consortium.
- Map target audiences, including schools, families, students and communities with limited access to STEAM activities.
- Design the 2028 and 2029 European Researchers’ Night concept together with year-round Researchers at Schools activity.
- Define measurable public-engagement and education outcomes.
- Identify researchers, schools, science communicators, venues and regional partners early.
- Prepare governance, communication, inclusiveness, monitoring and impact-assessment plans.
- Review the official 2027 call documents when they are released.
- Submit through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 8 June 2027.
What Happened in the Previous 2025 Call?
The previous call, HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01-01, closed on 22 October 2025 and funded activities for 2026 and 2027.
| Proposals received | 241 |
|---|---|
| Eligible proposals | 234 |
| Projects selected | 49 |
| Countries represented | 40 |
| Funding awarded | Approximately €16.3 million |
| Success rate | 20.3% |
Those funded projects are now organising the 2026 and 2027 European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools activities. The next funding opportunity is the 2027 call for the 2028–29 cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSCA and Citizens 2027 call open?
Not yet. The call is scheduled to open on 9 March 2027.
When is the 2027 deadline?
The official deadline is 8 June 2027 at 17:00 CEST.
What will the 2027 call fund?
It will fund European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools activities for the 2028 and 2029 editions.
Can an individual researcher apply?
No. Applications are submitted on behalf of an organisation or consortium.
What is the indicative budget?
The European Commission currently lists an indicative budget of €15.71 million, marked as tentative.
Official MSCA Sources
| Current action page | MSCA and Citizens — current rules, objective and call schedule |
|---|---|
| 2027 call | MSCA and Citizens 2027 — reference HORIZON-MSCA-2026-CITIZENS-01 |
| Previous round | 2025 call funded 49 projects in 40 countries for 2026–27 activities |
| Last verified | 4 October 2026 |
