Research MaRaThoN Scholarship 2026 at University of Padua Open
International researchers preparing for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF) 2026 now have a strategic advantage. The University of Padua has officially opened applications for the 10th edition of MSCA MaRaThoN@University of Padua – Master your Research and Training Needs, scheduled from 20 to 22 May 2026 in Italy.
Designed as an intensive, high-level proposal development training, this programme supports experienced researchers who plan to submit their MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal with Padua as their Host Institution. Over three focused days, participants will receive expert guidance on building a competitive, fundable application aligned with Horizon Europe standards.
The programme specifically targets researchers holding a PhD from any discipline, nationality, or age group who are ready to advance their careers through international mobility and high-impact research collaboration.
The MSCA MaRaThoN has grown into a flagship preparatory event, reflecting Padua’s strong record of hosting Marie Curie fellows and fostering interdisciplinary research excellence.
What Makes This Programme Financially Valuable?
While MSCA MaRaThoN is a preparatory training programme rather than a direct cash scholarship, its value lies in strengthening your application for one of Europe’s most competitive fully funded postdoctoral schemes.
Key financial relevance includes:
- Strategic preparation for the Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, which offers competitive salary, mobility allowance, and research costs
- Increased chances of securing a prestigious European Commission-funded fellowship
- Access to expert-led sessions focused on excellence, impact, and implementation sections
- Integration into Padua’s established Marie Curie research community
- Alternative funding pathway through the MSCA Seal of Excellence@University of Padua programme for proposals scoring 85/100 or higher
Outstanding applicants who are not directly funded under MSCA but receive the Seal of Excellence may qualify for alternative institutional funding at Padua.
The number of participants selected for the MaRaThoN programme has not been officially specified, indicating a competitive selection process focused on high-quality research profiles.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Decoded
This programme is open to experienced researchers planning to apply for the 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship call with Padua as host.
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD degree by the time of the MSCA PF call
- Meet MSCA mobility rules under Horizon Europe
- Intend to submit a Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal with the University of Padua as Host Institution
- Demonstrate strong research potential and academic track record
- Be available to participate in the full training programme from 20–22 May 2026
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support researchers across all scientific disciplines, encouraging international mobility and career development.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for Global Researchers
Applying to MSCA MaRaThoN@University of Padua 2026 is straightforward if you prepare early.
First, identify a potential supervisor or research group at the University of Padua aligned with your project idea.
Second, prepare your academic CV and research concept tailored to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship framework.
Third, complete the online application form through the official University of Padua MSCA MaRaThoN webpage.
Finally, submit your application before the deadline and monitor your email for selection results.
Selected candidates will then participate in the intensive training sessions designed to refine and elevate their Horizon Europe MSCA PF 2026 proposal ahead of the official European Commission call launch on 9 April 2026.
Critical Deadline You Must Not Miss
Applications for the MSCA MaRaThoN@University of Padua 2026 opened on 9 February 2026. The last date to apply for the MSCA MaRaThoN@University of Padua 2026 is 9 March 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Italian time.
Researchers planning to compete in the Horizon Europe MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 call, which will close on 9 September 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply early and use this structured training opportunity to maximize their proposal success rate.