Practical steps

Apply for a secondment 

• Verify that you satisfy the eligibility conditions.
• Discuss your contribution to the project with the scientific contact at your institution.
• Obtain an invitation letter from a representative of the host institution abroad.
• Prepare a secondment application, including your contribution to a work package and a task.
• Apply by filling in the online form.
• Wait for the approval of your secondment application from the project coordinator.

Before a secondment 

• Once the secondment has been approved, make travel arrangements and upload copies of your travel documents to your account. 
• Contact the administrator at your European home institution to arrange payment of the research allowance.
• Arrange minimal support from the host institution for work facilities, legal procedures and accommodation.
• If applicable, obtain a visa for the host country for stays longer than ninety days.
• Ensure that you have travel and health insurance for the duration of the secondment and for the host country.

During a secondment

Once you have arrived, please upload the following documents to your account:

• A completed and signed declaration of secondment;
• A scanned copy of the travel document (outbound boarding passes, train ticket, bus ticket);
• A scan of the identity card of the host institution.
• Proof of lodging, accommodation or hosting.

Work full-time on research and development activities related to the project: 

• Engage with and exchange ideas with researchers at the host institution. 
• Produce scientific outputs such as presentations and papers.
• Acknowledge the European Commission's funding in your presentations and papers. 
• Attend seminars, courses, conferences and networking events.

No additional work commitments are permitted. Report any periods of leave, holiday or sickness, as these represent interruptions to the secondment. 

After a secondment 

Once you have returned, please upload the following documents to your account:

• A scanned copy of the travel document (inbound boarding passes, train ticket, bus ticket);
• A sample of your work, such as a manuscript, presentation or article, containing an acknowledgement to the European Commission;
• A post-trip report outlining your scientific and knowledge exchange activities.

And: 

• Answer the European Commission's mandatory feedback questionnaire on your secondment.

Long term obligations 

• Make the publications available via open access as soon as possible, but no later than two years after publication.
• Complete the European Commission survey, which will be sent to you two years after your secondment.
• Familiarise yourself with the intellectual property rights arrangements of the home and host institutions.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding research work that is subject to intellectual property rights.
• Read the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Special need allowance. Staff members with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments may request an additional special needs allowance. If you intend to request this allowance, please contact the project management team early in your application process. 

If you would like a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Certificate after your secondment, please contact the manager.