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5 reasons (+1) why you should apply for a Marie Curie at Ca’ Foscari

A ‘Marie Curie’ can change your life. Every year, almost 10,000 researchers from all over the world submit a research and training proposal to be carried out in a European university or to spend a two-year period abroad before coming back to Europe. Ca' Foscari is among the most sought-after European host institutions and boasts the largest Italian community of alumni and alumnae of this research “Erasmus”. 

The call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships is open until  10 September, 2025. For more information, visit the dedicated page.
If you’d like to know more about the call, don’t miss the Infoday on the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships on 27 May, 2025. 

Why do so many people choose Ca’ Foscari? Here are 5 good reasons (plus one) to apply for a Marie Curie Fellowship at Ca’ Foscari.

1. Among the best in Europe

Since 2014, Ca' Foscari has been among the top Italian universities in terms of Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships awarded and consistently ranks amongst the top 10 host institutions in Europe. In 2025, the university was awarded 18 fellowships, confirming its success in attracting international talent. We let the numbers speak for themselves

2. Dedicated training and support for ERC projects 

Ca' Foscari offers a well-structured support programme for researchers interested in submitting ERC proposals. Those who obtain a Marie Curie grant have access to specific training and support from a dedicated office. This approach increases the chances of obtaining ERC funding and building a high-profile independent career.

3. Tenure-track positions and international career 

Ca' Foscari was the first university to hire a researcher precisely for winning a Marie Curie: a 2015 ministerial decree grants the possibility of a “direct call” for those who have carried out a three-year project funded as a “Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship”. But that was not the only case. Several former fellows have embarked on long-term academic careers at Ca' Foscari or other Italian or foreign universities thanks to their Marie Curie experience.

4. Stairway to heaven 

The (formative) experience of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship provides inspiration to researchers and allows new research ideas to emerge and be submitted to even more ambitious calls, such as the ERC grants. At Ca' Foscari, the community of ERC grantees is constantly growing, with now more than 30 grantees, and their stories bear witness to the crucial role of the Marie Curie fellowship in the development of their personal profiles. Professors Sabrina Marchetti and Enrica De Cian boast Marie Curie fellowships in their CVs, and many ERC grantees are now Marie Curie supervisors. The fellowship therefore represents a key opportunity to access increasingly competitive funding.

5. You’ll never be alone

The community of Ca' Foscari alumni who have held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship is among the largest in Italy with over 200 people. This background of experiences, contacts and expertise makes Ca' Foscari the ideal environment where to join an innovative and interdisciplinary project. Ca' Foscari also promotes and supports the international network Marie Curie Alumni Association, which has rewarded the University for its commitment to the career development of researchers.

6. First-class support

Ca' Foscari can claim a first-class support team for those applying for a “Marie Curie”. Researchers are guided through the project phase in order to refine their proposal and increase their chances of getting it funded. The results of this support are record-breaking. In addition, the experience of professors successfully serving as supervisors has also grown over the years.
Once the grant has been won, the support continues: Ca‘ Foscari has indeed obtained the Human Resources (HR) Excellence in Research certification ( a result of its participation in the HRS4R initiative), which recognises the excellent working conditions of the Ca’ Foscari research community and rewards initiatives to provide an attractive working environment for top talent.