Marie Curie Doctoral Networks

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (previously known as MSCA-ITN) is part of the Horizon Europe programme. With this programme, the European Commission (EC) aims to train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative early-stage researchers. These researchers will be trained to face current and future challenges and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit. This means that proposals should focus on setting up European networks in which PhD students are trained by developing their scientific skills (performing research towards a PhD degree) as well as their transferable skills such as science communication, project management, intellectual property handling and entrepreneurship.

Subthemes MSCA Doctoral Networks

MSCA Doctoral Networks has three subthemes:

• the Doctoral Network (DN)
• Industrial Doctorates (DN-ID)
• the Joint Doctorates (DN-JD)

In DNs, PhD students are based at one academic institute. In DN-IDs, a PhD student is co-located at an academic institute as well as at an SME or industrial partner. In DN-JD, a PhD student is co-located at two or more academic institutes, with doctoral degrees awarded by institutions from at least two different countries.

The programme for all subthemes is bottom-up, meaning that the participating parties decide on the overarching scientific topic. Networks receive budget for 3-year PhD student projects (salary and bench fee) and for the management of the project. The maximum budget that can be applied for is funding for 15 PhD students (DN, DN-ID and DN-JD). MSCA Doctoral Networks is a very competitive programme, therefore we advise to start as early as possible with setting up your network and drafting the proposal.

Essentials of the programme

• The call is open to all scientific disciplines;
• Networks should consist of balanced consortia of academic and non-academic parties;
• Partnerships take form of collaborative Doctoral Networks (DN), Industrial Doctorates (DN-ID) or Joint Doctorates (DN-JD).

Interested in applying for MSCA Doctoral Networks? 

Our specialists have a broad experience with research grants and would be pleased to provide you with advice and support for other grant possibilities. Get in touch via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com for an introductory meeting.