MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025

For doctoral candidates: acquisition of new research and transferable skills leading to improved employability and career prospects inside and outside academia; generation of new knowledge with potential for conversion into products and services; enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers and the general public. For participating organisations: improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision; enhanced cooperation and knowledge transfer across sectors and disciplines; increased integration of training and research activities; boosted R&I capacity; greater internationalisation and attractiveness; regular feedback of research results into teaching and education.

Consortium composition: minimum three independent legal entities from at least three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including universities/research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses (including SMEs) and other socio-economic actors. Third-country organisations may participate to foster strategic international partnerships. Programmes must address well-identified R&I needs, follow the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training and MSCA supervision guidelines, and offer doctoral candidates exposure to both academic and non-academic sectors. Recruitment must be open, transparent and merit-based in line with the MSCA Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers; vacancy notices must be advertised widely (including on EURAXESS) and publish gross salary where possible. Proposals must envisage either Industrial Doctorates (joint academic/non-academic supervision) or Joint Doctorates (delivery of joint/double/multiple degrees recognised in at least one EU/Associated Country), include inter-sectoral secondments and detailed training, supervision and career development plans, and establish a Supervisory Board.