DATE:
January 16 and 17, 2025 – face-to-face meeting
VENUE:
University of Ljubljana, Kongresni trg 12, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Photo: Bor Slana, STA
The University of Ljubljana organises various activities, events and workshops on topical issues within the framework of EUTOPIA, the Alliance of ten European universities, and the Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and Western Balkans.
On January 16 and 17, 2025, a workshop on the preparation of MSCA project proposals was held at the University of Ljubljana as part of the Eutopia More workshops for the Western Balkans.
This workshop was aimed at researchers and coordinators from the Western Balkan universities interested in preparing proposals for the MSCA Doctoral Networks and the MSCA Staff Exchange Call.
During the workshop, representatives of the European Commission, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty and the University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business, pointed out that the focus of the MSCA programmes is on global, international, intersectional and interdisciplinary cooperation. They pointed out that a good consortium, committed and reliable partners as well as revision, language skills, governing bodies, technical, administrative and organisational support are essential for the successful preparation and implementation of the MSCA project.
The workshop was led by Dr. Stojan Sorčan, Secretary at the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, who also gave an overview of the evaluation criteria for MSCA DN and MSCA SE and explained what the reviewers look for in a successful application.
Dr. Sabina Berne from the University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty and Dr. Živa Kolbl from the University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business presented practical examples and the challenges they face when preparing and implementing MSCA DN and MSCA SE, such as preparing documents, cooperating with stakeholders, organizing kick-off and other meetings, etc.
The aim of the MSCA programmes is to promote excellence in all regions of Europe, especially in widening countries, to strengthen the exchange and training of doctoral students, international cooperation, sustainable partnerships and the visibility of the partner institutions.
The workshop was attended by 24 participants from 9 institutions: Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, University of Ljubljana, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, University of Banja Luka, University of Prishtina, University of Applied Science in Ferizaj, Public University Kadri Zeka, University Isa Boletini Mitrovica.
Before the workshop in Ljubljana, we also organised an online session, which took place on 21 November 2024. In the online session, Dr. Stojan Sorčan presented general information about the MSCA programme and guides for applicants. The online meeting was attended by 40 participants.
This workshop provided important input for the development of competitive proposals for the MSCA Doctoral Networks and the MSCA Staff Exchange Call.
MEETING MATERIALS:
MSCA-SE-Stojan Sorčan presentation
MSCA-DN-Stojan Sorčan presentation
MSCA SE-University of Banja Luka presentation
GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS-MSCA DN 2024
HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-01-Guide for Applicants
MSCA actions-Horizon-2023-2024
DN Excellence-Stojan Sorčan presentation
DN Impact Implementation-Stojan Sorčan presentation
SE presentation-Stojan Sorčan presentation
MSCA Gender Equality-Gita Zadnikar
MSCA & Open Science-Maja Peharc
About MSCA: About MSCA – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu)
About MSCA Doctoral Networks: Doctoral Networks – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu)
About Staff Exchanges: Staff Exchanges – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu)












The University of Ljubljana organises various activities, events and workshops on topical issues within the framework of EUTOPIA, Alliance of ten European universities, and the Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and Western Balkans. Almost half of the members of the Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and Western Balkans are members of the European University Alliances. Within the framework of the Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and Western Balkans, we also promote cooperation between the European university alliances by organising joint activities and events.

