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The 2023 Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Annual Conference, which took place on 24-25 February in Cordoba (Spain), brought together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss some of the major challenges in science diplomacy and sustainable development. Research assessment, the stability of early career researchers, and research management were among the topics covered and debated during the conference. This event also allowed for discussions with Marie Skłodowska–Curie Actions (MSCA) beneficiaries on the current status and mechanisms of the MSCA programme. Building on the sessions and key points made during the MCAA conference, this policy brief sets out MCAA’s recommendations relevant to the evaluation of the first results of Horizon Europe's Research & Innovation Actions funded by the EU in 2021-2023.