MSCA in 2026 and beyond: what it takes to build successful research careers in Europe
June 5, 2026 @ 13:30 – 14:30 CEST
Speaker: Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Department-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions & Support to Experts
Vanessa Debiais-Sainton is Head of Department for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and Support to Experts at the European Research Executive Agency, where she leads a team of over 320 colleagues responsible for implementing one of the EU’s flagship research talent programmes under Horizon Europe.
With two decades of experience shaping EU higher education and research policy, she has shaped transformative initiatives such as the European Universities alliances, driven major programmes like Erasmus+, and coordinated the Union of Skills agenda as a member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu. Earlier in her career, she helped design the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions themselves, including the creation of the European Industrial Doctorate.
Before joining the European Commission, Vanessa worked in industry at Solvay’s research and innovation centre, where she led process optimisation and environmental impact projects — experience that informs her deep commitment to bridging research, innovation, education and real-world impact.
Vanessa holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering and postgraduate qualifications in advanced processes and polymers and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School.
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