A new study published by the European Commission assesses the initial use of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Green Charter, introduced in 2021 as a code of good environmental practice for individuals and institutions in receipt of MSCA funding. The study is based on a survey carried out in 2023 covering projects selected under the 2021 calls for proposals for Doctoral Networks, Post-doctoral Fellows, Staff Exchanges and COFUND.
The survey
- looked at general developments in greening strategies among MSCA participants
- explored whether the Green Charter can and does help to promote sustainability considerations and measures
- sought feedback on what kind of support is needed at EU and institutional level to support green and sustainable research practices in MSCA projects
The report provides an overview of the main findings, along with reflections on future action by the Commission and the MSCA project community. While less than half of respondents were aware of the MSCA Green Charter or of the European Green Deal, the report finds that a large majority had the intention to include environmental considerations into their projects. Over 60% of respondents stated that their institutions already have a strategy in place to promote sustainable research and the adoption of green practices in research activities.
Respondents expected to receive more guidance and information by host institutions and the Commission on how to adopt more sustainable practices in research and project management. Requests for more financial support from the Commission for the adoption of sustainable practices come in fourth place behind expected guidance and communication measures.
The EC regards the results as an encouragement to redouble its efforts in communicating on the Charter and providing user friendly guidance on sustainability in research and project management, among other options to facilitate the adoption of greener practices in MSCA projects.