We have (i) training and short visits during projects; (ii) non-academic placement with SME.

Non-academic placement

For MSCA researchers who apply to have additional support to carry out a placement of up to 6 months, we offer non-academic placement at Alminica AB with topic: European Research-to-Business by exploitation pathways, valorisation of research, and digital transition using data-driven value creation. We also support your career development from the start of your fellowship.

For your research impact and outcomes beyond publishing you will:

• Develop a Research-to-Business strategy grounded in your specific research domain
• Visit start-ups, SMEs and industrial environments to learn from real cases across Sweden and Europe, including visits in other research disciplines than your own area
• Develop a digital transition strategy for your research area and understand how your research aligns with the European digital transition
• Apply data-driven value creation methods to build lasting impact beyond the project lifetime

For your career development you will:

• Build a realistic post-fellowship career progression within the European research and innovation landscape
• Develop your Career Development Plan in alignment with the European ecosystem

The placement will build a realistic usefulness scenario from your research activity beyond publishing. The placement combines hands-on strategy development at Alminica AB with field visits to start-ups, SMEs and industrial environments across Sweden and Europe, including in research disciplines outside your own area. Your developed strategies enable you to show how your research aligns with the digital transition happening in Europe, and demonstrate your capacity to plan roadmaps. Those extend beyond an individual project and remain relevant for the European research and innovation landscape as part of your career.

Your intellectual property remains yours. Any knowledge, strategies, or outputs you develop during the placement at Alminica AB remain your own intellectual property. We do not claim rights to your work. Our interest is in your development as a researcher and in the long-term relationships that come from working together. If you would like to involve us when creating a start-up or as business advisors, that is entirely up to you.

The Feedback to Policy Report 2026 was released Feb 26, 2026. It is assessing the non-academic placement in MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships under the 2021-2024 calls. Those proposals have a higher-than average success rate (20.1%) compared to the calls’ average (16.6%). The feedback showed that 46% were or could have been interested in a placement but they did not include one in their proposal because they were not aware of the opportunity at the time of applying, not able to find a non-academic host or faced other practical barriers. A placement in a non-academic organisation is generally appreciated by the researchers for their career development, building transferable skills and increasing the impact of their research beyond academia.

Benefits with non academic placement:

1. Enhanced Transferable Skills: Non-academic placements offer an opportunity to develop transferable skills that are valuable in both academia and industry. These skills can include project management, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and adaptability. Acquiring these skills can broaden your career prospects and make you a more versatile and employable researcher.
2. Industry Relevance: Non-academic placements enable you to gain firsthand experience of the industrial or commercial sector related to your research area. This exposure can help you understand the practical application of your research, identify industry needs, and align your work with real-world challenges. It can also enhance your knowledge of industry practices, standards, and regulations, making your research more relevant and impactful.
3. Networking Opportunities: Non-academic placements provide a unique chance to expand your professional network beyond academia. By working with industry professionals, you can establish connections with potential collaborators, industry leaders, and future employers. These connections can be invaluable when seeking job opportunities, securing funding, or initiating future research partnerships.
4. Broader Perspective: Engaging in non-academic placements allows you to gain a broader perspective on your research field. By working in different environments and collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds, you can gain insights and alternative viewpoints that may not be readily available within academia. This can contribute to a more well-rounded understanding of your research area and enhance your ability to address interdisciplinary challenges.
5. Improved Employability: Non-academic placements can significantly enhance your employability, both within and outside academia. Employers often value candidates who have experience in both academic and non-academic settings, as it demonstrates adaptability, versatility, and an understanding of the practical application of research. Such experiences can make you a more attractive candidate for research positions, industry roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.
6. Funding Opportunities: Some non-academic placements may offer additional funding or stipends, which can supplement the MSCA fellowship and help cover living expenses during the placement. This can alleviate financial pressures and allow you to focus on your research and professional development.

Training and short visits

The training can be organised in several formats:

• One-week intensive training
• Short workshops or seminars
• Online sessions
• Hybrid events

EuropeNoun framework

The training draws on the EuropeNoun framework, which explores how research careers and research projects develop within the European research and innovation environment. EuropeNoun provides perspectives on how researchers can connect their work with European programmes, collaborative networks, and innovation ecosystems.