News

Second Call of the Momentum MSCA Premium Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme Opens 1 December 2025

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) is pleased to share that the Momentum MSCA Premium Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (Momentum PPDF), a major initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Secretariat of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), will launch its second call for applications on 1 December 2025. The call will remain open until 31 January 2026.

Building on the significant success of the first call, which attracted an excellent cohort of international fellows, the programme will now select 16–17 outstanding postdoctoral researchers to join Lendület (Momentum) research groups across Hungary.

A Prestigious Opportunity for Early-Career Researchers

The Momentum MSCA PPDF Programme is a five-year initiative (2025–2029) designed to attract exceptional postdoctoral talent from around the world. Fellows will undertake original, cutting-edge research within Lendület research groups, Hungary’s flagship research excellence scheme that has supported more than 270 independent groups since 2009.

The programme is open to a broad spectrum of disciplines, including:

  • Engineering & Technology
  • Medical Sciences
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive and competitive support package, designed to advance both scientific excellence and professional growth:

Research Excellence & Collaboration

  • Conduct research in top-tier Lendület groups known for innovation and interdisciplinary impact.
  • Engage with leading researchers, international peers, and industry partners.

Competitive Funding

  • €3,522 gross monthly salary, complemented by mobility, family, and relocation allowances depending on eligibility.
  • Additional support available for researchers with special needs.

International Mobility

Mandatory 1–3 month secondments at prominent Hungarian or international research centres or industry partners.

Training & Career Development

  • Personalised coaching, high-quality supervision, and network-level training.
  • Interdisciplinary workshops and events designed to enhance versatility and employability inside and beyond academia.

A Supportive Environment

Fellows will benefit from Hungary’s safe, welcoming environment, accessible healthcare, and affordable cost of living—an attractive setting for researchers and their families.

Eligibility Overview

The programme welcomes candidates of all nationalities and encourages global participation. Applicants must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree (or have successfully defended their thesis unconditionally) by the call deadline.
  • Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: no more than 12 months spent in Hungary during the 3 years prior to the application deadline.
  • Not be employed by a Lendület host organisation at the call deadline.
  • Submit a complete application in English through the online platform by 31 January 2026.

Programme at a Glance

  • Duration: January 2025 – December 2029
  • Fellowship length: Up to 36 months
  • Secondments: Mandatory 1–3 months
  • Disciplines: All fields represented within Lendület research groups
  • Website: momentummsca.mta.hu

How to Apply

The second call opens on 1 December 2025. Interested researchers are encouraged to review the official brochure, flyer, and guidance materials provided by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

For enquiries, contact: momentum.msca@office.mta.hu