The MSCA Doctoral Networks represent a major initiative to strengthen doctoral research in Europe. These networks, set up under Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, are designed to support and develop doctoral students’ skills, as well as to improve the quality and relevance of doctoral training programmes.
The goals of MSCA Doctoral Networks are multiple. For supported PhD students, these networks offer a unique opportunity to acquire new research skills and competences, as well as transferable skills towards improved job prospects. By working on innovative research projects within interdisciplinary and international partnerships, PhD students develop new knowledge that can be applied to the creation of innovative products and services. In addition, these programmes aim to strengthen the networking and communication capacities of doctoral students, both with their scientific peers and with the general public, thus broadening the impact of research and innovation.
For participating organisations, MSCA Doctoral Networks represent an opportunity to improve the quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements. Collaboration between the academic and non-academic sectors also fosters knowledge transfer and cooperation between disciplines, thus enriching the research and innovation environment. In addition, these networks contribute to the internationalisation and attractiveness of partner institutions, encouraging the participation of organisations from third countries.
MSCA Doctoral Networks implement doctoral programmes through partnerships between universities, research institutions, companies (including SMEs) and other socio-economic actors from different European countries and beyond. These programmes address identified needs in various areas of research and innovation, exposing researchers to diverse academic and industrial environments.
Training and supervision activities are coordinated by a supervisory board, which ensures that PhD students receive high-quality training and that the research objectives are achieved. The networks shall promote complementary training in research skills and transferable skills, such as entrepreneurship, scientific communication and project management. In addition, training modules in Open Science, Innovation and Entrepreneurship are offered to prepare PhD students for scientific collaboration and communication in a rapidly changing digital context.
The MSCA Doctoral Networks also promote cross-sectoral and international exchanges of PhD students, encouraging them to spend time in other participating organisations, including in third countries. These exchanges enrich the experience of doctoral students by providing exposure to different academic and professional cultures, while enhancing their employability on a global scale.
Interested organizations can participate in MSCA Doctoral Networks as project partners, thus contributing to the design and implementation of doctoral programs. The networks are open to the participation of organisations from third countries, which fosters the creation of international strategic partnerships for the training and exchange of researchers.
Each network is led by a clearly identified supervisory board, responsible for coordinating training and research activities, while ensuring continuous communication between the participating organisations. Good practices are exchanged regularly among network members to maximize the benefits of collaboration.
The MSCA Doctoral Networks have a significant impact on doctoral research in Europe by strengthening the skills of doctoral students, fostering intersectoral and international collaboration, and improving the quality and relevance of doctoral training programs. These networks also contribute to the creation of a highly skilled and competitive workforce, ready to meet the challenges of research and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Indicative timetable
29 May 2024: Launch of the call for proposals
27 November 2024: Deadline for submission of proposals
April 2025: Notification of the results of the call to applicants (tbc)
July 2025: Signature of the grant agreement for the selected projects (tbc)
August 2025: Start of first EU-funded projects (tbc)
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
