Science, just as society, moves because people push it forward — not because institutions allow it, but because some individuals refuse to stop. The people on this team are exactly those individuals. Their convictions were not just written for this campaign; they were forged in the field, in the lab, in the courtroom, in the policy chamber, in the chapter meeting at midnight across a dozen time zones. They did not find each other through a call for candidates. They found each other because they were already moving in the same direction.
All of them have been recognised and lauded for it — by MCAA, by European institutions, and by their peers. Their acknowledgement wasn't a mere honour to showcase, but proof of something fundamental: that when conviction meets action, things actually change.
In our model, the Chair does not lead from above, but instead holds the ground so that members can become leaders in different fields — mimicking the bottom-up approach of MSCA. The MCAA's true essence has always been its people. Our team exists to make that true in practice, not just in principle.
01
Putting Members at the Center
Governance & Participation
The MCAA's greatest asset is its network of over 24,000 alumni distributed across every scientific discipline, sector, and every continent. Events should be co-created with Chapters/WGs and decisions made with transparency. This team commits to structured, regular dialogue between the Board and the wider community throughout the year. A bottom-up association is not just a slogan but an intentional design choice.
02
Knowledge in Action
Sustainable Careers for All
Too many MSCA fellows navigate career transitions alone — from academia to industry, from fellowship to precarity, from research to policy. Our priority is to transform MCAA into a dynamic ecosystem for career development through peer mentoring, sector-specific workshops, skills certification, and structured pathways for members at every stage, built upon the existing MCAA Academy platform.
03
Science Without Borders
Global Reach & Science Diplomacy
Every single member of MCAA is an ambassador of MSCA across the globe and a beacon of functional science diplomacy. We will invest in intra- and inter-regional networking to deepen collaboration between European and non-European chapters, using science diplomacy as a concrete tool to build bridges between researchers, policymakers, and institutions across geographies.
04
Amplifying Our Collective Knowledge
Open Science & Editorial Voice
The MCAA has the skills, potential, and critical mass to become a key editorial player in the scientific landscape. Our team envisions an Association that channels members' research outputs through newsletters, articles, and potentially its own open-access publishing platform — positioning alumni not just as consumers of knowledge, but as its producers and stewards.
05
A Seat at the Table
Policy Advocacy & Institutional Presence
With FP10 on the horizon, the MCAA must be present and heard. Building on direct experience in EU policy processes and research career advocacy, we aim to strengthen MCAA's voice with decision-making bodies. We commit to holding the MCAA Policy Forum regularly with wider member participation. A seat at the table means translating community experience into institutional input.
06
Research with a Backbone
Ethics, Integrity & Researchers' Rights
Academic freedom, research integrity, and fair working conditions are not abstract ideals — they are daily realities that shape our members' lives. This team brings expertise in research ethics, labour rights, legal frameworks, and institutional accountability. We will champion MCAA's role as an ethical actor, actively defending researchers' rights in institutional and policy contexts.
07
No Researcher Left Behind
Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Mental health in academia is a longstanding crisis, precarious contracts are the norm, and caregiving responsibilities remain invisible in research career assessments. This team commits to evidence-based initiatives, EDI-embedded governance, and responsible research assessment aligned with CoARA principles. We will also urge MSCA to direct all research centres to adopt a single European pension plan such as RESAVER.
08
From Research to Real World
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The boundary between research and market is not a wall, but an opportunity. Our vision is to map entrepreneurial expertise within our membership, equip researchers with transversal skills, and build bridges with external players such as venture capitalists and innovation hubs. Our long-term objective is to host an MCAA startup incubator where members can translate research outputs into viable business models.
09
Governance You Can Trust
Financial Transparency & Operational Integrity
A community built on trust needs finances that reflect it. Our treasury approach prioritises clarity, continuity, and accountability: regular financial reporting, responsible budget planning, fast and accurate reimbursements, and oversight of the Association's financial decisions. Transparency is not a formality — it is the foundation of a sustainable organisation.
