PF: What happens if the researcher quits the project after the outgoing phase without completing the return phase of a Global Fellowship?

If the researcher leaves the project before the return phase because they found another job opportunity in a Member State/ Associated Country or at the beneficiary premises for a different position, it may be considered that the main objectives of the MSCA Work programme have been respected.

If the researcher leaves the project before the return phase for the reason that they found a job opportunity in a Third Country, then the objective of return and (re)integration of European researchers as indicated in the MSCA Work Programme is not met. In such cases, an assessment of the beneficiary’s due diligence would be performed.

The approach in case of early termination of the Global Fellowship before the return phase due to other reasons will be established on a case-by-case basis taken into consideration the explicit justifications given by the beneficiary and the ‘due diligence’ performed by the beneficiary in the implementation of its obligation to ensure the mandatory return phase. The term ‘due diligence’ is defined as the level of care that can reasonably be expected from the beneficiary, in order to ensure the fulfilment of its obligations under the grant agreement (as defined in the AGA).

To assess the compliance with the contractual obligations related to the return phase, the PO could ask for a copy of the researcher’s employment contract (it should include a clause mentioning the obligation of the researcher to carry out a mandatory return period at its premises) and any other relevant documentation showing that the beneficiary supported the fellow’s return at its premises (such as email exchanges between the beneficiary and the fellow).

PF: What happens if a researcher on a Global Fellowship does not implement the return phase? Could there be a financial penalty in that case?

In case the return phase will not be implemented, the Project Officer (PO) assigned to that project will have to assess the justification(s) and the due diligence performed by the beneficiary in the implementation of its obligation to ensure the mandatory return phase. The term “due diligence” is defined as the level of care that can reasonably be expected from the beneficiary, in order to ensure the fulfilment of its obligations under the grant agreement (as defined in Article 35 of the draft Annotated Grant Agreement).

To assess the compliance with the contractual obligations related to the return phase, the PO will ask for a copy of the researcher's employment contract and any other relevant documentation showing that the beneficiary supported the fellow's return at its premises (such as email exchanges between the beneficiary and the fellow). The PO will then check in the employment contract the existence of the clause mentioning the obligation of the researcher to carry out a mandatory return period at its premises.

If REA considers that there is a serious breach of obligations regarding the return phase, (i.e. significant impact on the action), it may reduce the grant. However, if the assessment comes out as the beneficiary acted in due diligence, the beneficiary will not be penalised.

PF: Is it possible to postpone the return phase in a Global Postdoctoral Fellowship for 1 or 2 years because of another funding opportunity for the applicant?

This is not allowed, as the return phase must commence immediately after the outgoing phase. However, as the start date of the Postdoctoral Fellowship can be postponed, maybe the researcher can begin the stay in the US with the other funding, and then transfer to MSCA Global Fellowship.

Another option would be that the fellow temporarily suspends their MSCA project. They should however convince the Project officer that this suspension would be beneficial for their career.

This cannot be planned in the project application.