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Commission rolls out funding initiatives to cement the EU as a research hub 

The European Commission announced plans to cement its position as a global leader in research with new calls worth over €1.25 billion becoming available under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The MSCA funds research and innovation by equipping researchers with new knowledge and skills through mobility across borders and exposure to different sectors and disciplines. The initiative also helps to build Europe’s capacity for research and innovation by investing in the long-term careers of excellent researchers.

The MSCA also funds the development of excellent doctoral and postdoctoral training programmes and collaborative research projects worldwide. The new funding aims to support cutting-edge research and focuses on developing research talent and fostering international collaboration, with targeted support for early career researchers and displaced Ukrainian scientists. 

The European Commission will be announcing two new calls for funding to invest in research careers and global collaboration:

  • The MSCA Doctoral Networks – consisting of €597.8 million to recruit and train doctoral candidates in academia and other sectors. 
  • The MSCA & Citizens – consisting of €16.3 million to bring science closer to the public through the European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools activities. 

Additionally, with a budget of €22.5 million in 2025, the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ plan aims to strengthen research careers in Europe by funding postdoctoral programmes beyond project-based work. Organisations can receive funding for up to 36 months, followed by a two-year phase sustained by the host institution. 

These programmes are open to researchers from across the world, reinforcing “Europe’s ambition to attract and retain top talent while embedding research excellence into local R&I ecosystems.” The call will open on 1 October 2025. 

The additional funding investments demonstrate the EU’s commitment to long-term research capacity building and talent development. The MSCA supports both scientific excellence and broader societal impacts by increasing mobility, interdisciplinary experience, and public engagement. 

Additionally, by targeting support for Ukrainian researchers and fostering global collaboration, the initiative has a geopolitical and humanitarian side, further reinforcing the EU as a research hub with inclusive values. 

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Graduate Trainee (Ireland)
Preferred Start Date: January/February 2026
Dublin

Vulcan Consulting is looking to hire an upcoming or recent graduate with a passion for public affairs, policy and politics as part of our Graduate Trainee Programme. The ambitious trainee will participate in a 6–month full time programme – and will be based in our Dublin office for at least 3 days each week. 

Vulcan’s 6–month structured programme will provide the successful candidate with a hands-on experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement and policy analysis. They will become a key member of our client servicing team in Dublin and will primarily assist in supporting our wide range of multinational and domestic clients in the life sciences, technology and retail sectors. 

Vulcan hopes to instill insider knowledge of Ireland’s political landscape – as well as skills to collaborate with key decision makers in both the public and private sectors.

This position is remunerated – and there is potential, upon exemplary performance, for further progression. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who are strongly interested in developing a career in public affairs.
 
Skills & Experience:
  • A University degree (Master’s level ideally but not essential) in relevant subjects (e.g. EU Affairs, International Relations, Communications, Public Affairs etc.);
  • A demonstrable understanding of public policy in Ireland and the legislative process;
  • A strong interest in Irish public affairs; and
  • Excellent writing and research skills.

Personal qualities:

  • Be an enthusiastic team player and a quick learner;
  • Be able to take initiative and demonstrate proactiveness;
  • Demonstrate an attention to detail;
  • Have native-level English; and
  • Have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.

Please send your CV along with a researched written exercise on a campaign of your choosing (no more than 1000 words) to ianfahey@vulcanconsulting.eu  

Please outline why you chose this campaign; why the campaign worked well; what stakeholder were involved in the campaign; what you would have done differently; and what was the result of the campaign in question.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 (Irish time) on Friday, 28 November 2025.

Interviews of short-listed candidates will take place on the week commencing 1 December 2025.