Marie Curie Alumni Association

What Marie Curie Alumni Association does

The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) is an international non-profit association (AISBL) under Belgian law, headquartered in Brussels, established to serve current and past beneficiaries of the European Commission's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) research funding programme. The association operates a website-based membership platform at mariecuriealumni.eu, hosting over 24,507 registered members from 164 nationalities, organized into 41 geographic chapters and 9 thematic working groups (covering AI, Bridging Science and Business, Career Development, Communication, GEDI, Policy, Research Management, and Sustainability). Membership is free for eligible MSCA beneficiaries and provides access to mentoring (MCAA Academy), narrative CV tooling (PEP-CV, integrated with ORCID), free Coursera learning access, training courses, microgrants, and an annual conference.

The association's product surface is built around a Drupal-based membership and event platform with no proprietary AI/ML technology, augmented by integration partners (Coursera, ORCID). It publishes a monthly newsletter, the IRRADIUM Magazine, blog, and books. Operationally, the MCAA runs a small Secretariat of approximately 25 paid staff under an Executive Director, governed by an elected Board of 11 members including a Chair, two Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, and Secretary, with the European Commission holding ex-officio consultative representation.

The MCAA's business model is funded principally through European Commission grants delivered via Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ consortium projects (CAPTAIN, CUSP, SECURE2, MSCA-GLOPOL, MEDNIGHT, PAOLA), supplemented by tiered digital and conference sponsorship packages (EUR 1,500–10,000), donations, and fees from training courses open to non-members. Free membership is the dominant distribution mechanic; members self-register through the website after verifying MSCA fellowship eligibility, and growth proceeds through chapter-led word-of-mouth, policy engagement, and European research event presence.

Name

Marie Curie Alumni Association

Legal name

Marie Curie Alumni Association

Website

https://mariecuriealumni.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Marie Curie Alumni Association is a Brussels-based international non-profit (AISBL) operating a free membership platform serving 24,500+ MSCA-funded researchers across 164 nationalities, providing career development, mentorship, training, microgrants, and policy advocacy funded principally by European Commission grants and sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association and Researcher Community Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Professional Organizations (813920), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Alumni Relations & Alumni Engagement Programs (EDALAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Student & Alumni Communities (BPAMABAK), Volunteer Management & Alumni Leadership Programs (EDALAOAH), Alumni Events, Reunions & Regional Chapters (EDALAOAG), Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

Keywords

• Researcher alumni network
• Career development services
• Non-profit association
• Fellowship community support
• Scientific networking platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussels

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. European Commission Funding: The MCAA was established and is supported by the European Commission. EU funding through projects like CAPTAIN, CUSP, SECURE2, and MSCA-GLOPOL provides operational and programmatic funding.
2. Donations: The MCAA accepts donations from members and supporters to advance and expand services, offer more microgrants, and organize more events and training courses.
3. Sponsorship Packages: Sponsorship packages for international organisations, multinational and medium-sized companies, and higher education institutions. Digital sponsorship (Bronze EUR 1,500, Silver EUR 2,500, Gold EUR 3,500) and conference sponsorship packages ranging from EUR 2,000 to EUR 10,000 for various levels of visibility and engagement.
4. Membership Fees (if imposed): According to statutes, the General Assembly may decide to impose membership fees, though such fees may not exceed 30 EUR. Currently, membership is free.
5. Training Course Fees: Training courses are open to both MCAA members and non-members for a fee that depends on various factors such as course duration and format.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Marie Curie Alumni Association operates a free membership-based alumni community for current and past beneficiaries of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) research fellowship programme. It delivers career development services (mentoring via MCAA Academy, free Coursera access via MCAA Learning, PEP-CV narrative CVs, microgrants, paid training courses), community engagement through 41 geographic chapters and 9 thematic working groups, advocacy and policy work for researchers' interests, and runs events including an Annual Conference and a Policy Forum at the European Parliament.

Product overview

The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) operates a website-based membership platform serving over 24,000 MSCA-funded researchers. The platform offers career development tools including the MCAA Academy (mentoring programme), MCAA Learning Programme (Coursera integration), and PEP-CV Platform for narrative CVs. Additional services include Microgrants, Training Programme, and Chapter/Working Group networking. The association publishes a Newsletter, IRRADIUM Magazine, and blog, organizes the Annual Conference and Policy Forum, and conducts policy advocacy work. The platform is organized around membership management with integrated career support services, all coordinated through volunteer-run chapters and working groups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MCAA Academy
• MCAA Learning Programme
• PEP-CV Platform
• Microgrants
• MCAA Training Programme
• MCAA Annual Conference
• MCAA Policy Forum
• Policy and Advocacy
• Whistleblowing Channel
• MCAA Membership Platform

Quantifiable outcome

• 24,507 members from 164 nationalities connected through the network
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ERA ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-level platform bringing together European Institutions, national governments, and research and innovation stakeholders to discuss and coordinate policies related to the European Research Area. MCAA has been a member of stakeholder group 4 'Individual Researchers and Innovators' since 2022.
• Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition committed to reforming methods and processes used to evaluate research, researchers, and research organisations. MCAA has representation on the CoARA Steering Board, with members involved in Working Groups and co-leading support in EU-project CoARA Boost alongside YERUN.
• European Union Science Diplomacy AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative initiative built on results and networks of 3 EU-funded projects. Aims to sustain dialogue on EU science diplomacy and cultivate new opportunities. MCAA is one of its funding members and was its chair until June 2023.
• Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent platform of European learned societies and research organisations operating across all disciplines and sectors. MCAA participates in working group focused on upcoming Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).
• Young Academies Science Advice Structure (YASAS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration of young academies seeking to deepen exchange between them and strengthen voice of young researchers in European science policy. MCAA has been an associated member since 2025.
• Research MattersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative initiative of European universities, research organisations, and industry partners to mobilise research and innovation community and raise awareness of research's role in addressing global challenges. MCAA has been a member since February 2025.
• European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederation of national organisations of PhD candidates and junior researchers from EU and Council of Europe countries. MCAA collaborates on joint statements and advocacy efforts, including responses to Horizon Europe evaluation and ERA Act consultations.
• Young Academy of Europe (YAE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan-European initiative of young scientists for networking, scientific exchange and science policy.
• Global Young Academy (GYA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization providing voice to young researchers to favor interdisciplinary dialogue and influence in global scientific policies. MCAA collaborates through joint activities and events.
• International Science Council (ISC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-governmental organisation operating globally to catalyze and convene scientific expertise, advice, and influence on issues of major concern to science and society. MCAA has been a member since 2021.
• ChaperoneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline marketplace of personalised career development services for scientists. Connects scientists with career consultants from multiple countries and professional areas. Partnership involves cross-promotion of activities.
• Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational non-profit association seeking to strengthen European excellence in AI research and innovation with focus on human-centred AI. Partnership includes cross-promotion of activities.
• Global Talent MentoringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline mentoring programme fostering excellence and innovation worldwide for exceptionally talented youth in STEM. Partnership involves cross-promotion of services.
• Native ScientistsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities. Partnership includes cross-promotion of activities.
• CUSP ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Europe project (01.06.2026 - 31.05.2029) translating European Framework for Science Diplomacy into action. MCAA is a beneficiary partner in this 11-partner consortium bridging fragmentation in science diplomacy across countries and institutions.
• SECURE2 ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject piloting and implementing recommendations from European Framework for Research Careers (RCF) to improve research career progression and mobility. MCAA participates as beneficiary (01.06.2025 - ongoing).
• MSCA-GLOPOL ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject supporting global cooperation in MSCA by strengthening ties with 26 key countries and regions through coordinated events, training, policy dialogues, and communication efforts (31.05.2028).
• CAPTAIN ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject bolstering MCAA operations and introducing enhanced services for MSCA community. Building on MCAA-New-Horizon project (2022-2024). Focuses on strategic initiatives to empower MSCA professionals (01.10.2024 - 30.09.2027).
• MEDNIGHT ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMediterranean Researchers' Night fostering Mediterranean unity, raising awareness of shared challenges, and promoting scientific careers. MCAA participates in 2024 and 2025 editions (08.03.2024 - 07.12.2025).
• PAOLA ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+ project developing observatory for academic whistleblowing in Europe. Raised awareness of whistleblowing best practices and promoted discussion on policies (01.09.2023 - 31.03.2025).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Erasmus Student Network (ESN): Largest European student and recent-graduate network providing mobility, volunteering, and professional development. Comparable as a European-funded alumni/community network operating through local chapters with a similar volunteer-driven engagement model.
• European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc): Federation of national organisations of PhD candidates and junior researchers across EU and Council of Europe countries. MCAA already collaborates with Eurodoc on joint advocacy statements, and both serve overlapping early-career researcher constituencies.
• Global Young Academy (GYA): International organization providing voice to young researchers worldwide. Directly comparable as a global network for early-career researchers engaged in science policy, with which MCAA collaborates on joint activities and events.
• Young Academy of Europe (YAE): Pan-European initiative of outstanding young scientists for networking, scientific exchange, and science policy. Comparable as a peer-driven organization for high-achieving European researchers with mutual partnership relationship with MCAA.
• EURAXESS: The official European Commission portal supporting researcher mobility and careers across Europe. Directly comparable as an EU-backed network serving the same MSCA-affiliated researcher community, though EURAXESS focuses on mobility services while MCAA focuses on alumni engagement.

Broad incumbents

• European University Association (EUA): Representative organization of over 850 universities and national rectors' conferences across Europe. Adjacent as a higher-education and research policy stakeholder; serves a broader institutional audience rather than individual researchers.
• International Science Council (ISC): Global non-governmental organization convening scientific expertise and advice. MCAA has been a member since 2021. Comparable as a stakeholder in international science policy and governance with much broader scientific society membership.
• CESAER: Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research. Comparable as a European association advancing research and innovation policy, with a focus on STEM universities and engineering institutions.
• Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE): Independent platform of European learned societies and research organisations. MCAA participates in ISE working groups on FP10. Comparable as a European-level coalition advocating for research policy and framework programme funding.

Emerging players

• L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science: International program supporting women researchers through fellowships, awards, and networking. Comparable as an EU/global stakeholder engaging researchers with sponsorship, training, and career development offerings intersecting with MCAA's career services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mariecurie_alum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mariecuriealumni

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Marie Curie Alumni Association