A new website has been launched in order to provide responsive, up-to-date information for MSCA researchers and project managers. This includes information on EU initiatives regarding COVID-19 as well as information on Call extensions.
 
» MSCA infopage on COVID-19
 
In addition, the European Commission has published six new FAQs on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on MSCA. Among other things, it clarifies that the researcher allowances for ITN and IF fellows must be paid, even in cases where work on the project cannot be carried out as planned at the moment.
 
Adjustments to the project that affect the fellows´ employment contract, e.g. the transition from full-time to part-time or the temporary suspension of the project are possible, but are only allowed with the agreement of the fellows and with an respective extension of the employment contract. The Commission also explicitly permits the use of the institutional lump sums for the increased staff costs.
 
In addition to the reference to the general flexibility regarding deadlines for milestones, deliverables and reports that applies temporarily to all H2020 projects, the new FAQs also allow a more flexible approach for interpreting some MSCA-specific rules such as e.g. the mobility rule and the duration of RISE secondments and outgoing phase for global fellowships.
 
» European Commission FAQs related to COVID-19 outbreak
 
The European Commission has also published its response to the online petition requesting paid extensions for MSCA fellows. According to the response, MSCA beneficiaries (host institutions) are strongly encouraged to continue their running projects, even if the research and training activities cannot be implemented as planned. They must continue to ensure the working conditions set out in the MSCA IF grant agreement are respected during the COVID-19 crisis, this also applies in the case of teleworking.
 
» European Commission response to the petition on the MSCA website

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions pocket guide updated

The pocket guide for researchers, universities, research institutes and companies provides a brief but compact introduction into the various funding lines of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Recently updated, the guide can be downloaded or ordered from the website of the "Publications Office of the European Union".
 
» MSCA pocket guide