Train the next generation researchers with MSCA Doctoral Networks 2023
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks is part of the Horizon Europe programme. With this programme, the European Commission (EC) aims to train creative, entrepreneurial, innovative and resilient doctoral candidates. Doctoral candidates able to face current and future challenges and to convert knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit. The MSCA Doctoral Networks is willing to raise the attractiveness and excellence of doctoral training in all scientific disciplines within Europe. These networks will equip researchers with the right combination of research-related and transferable competences and provide them with enhanced career perspectives in both the academic and non-academic sectors.
Expected impact
Proposals under MSCA Doctoral Networks should contribute to the following expected impacts:
- Strengthen Europe’s human capital base in research and innovation by training highly-skilled doctoral candidates;
- Improve the attractiveness of researchers’ careers through better working and employment conditions of doctoral candidates in Europe;
- Enhance talent and knowledge circulation across the research and innovation landscape, through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility;
- Increase Europe’s attractiveness as a leading research destination;
- Enhance the quality of research and innovation contributing to Europe’s sustainable competitiveness;
- Establish sustainable collaboration between academic and non-academic organisations;
- Foster the culture of open science, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Subthemes MSCA Doctoral Networks
MSCA Doctoral Networks has three subthemes:
- Doctoral Network (DN)
- Industrial Doctorates (DN-ID)
- Joint Doctorates (DN-JD)
In DNs, doctoral candidates are based at one academic institute. However, MSCA Doctoral Networks are encouraged to lead to DN-IDs or DN-JDs. In DN-ID, doctoral candidates will step outside academia and develop skills in industry and business by being jointly supervised by academic and non-academic organisations. DN-JD represent a highly integrated type of international, inter-sectoral and multi/interdisciplinary collaboration in doctoral training, to lead the delivery of joint, double or multiple doctoral degrees from at least two different countries.
Apply for MSCA Doctoral Networks 2023
Doctoral Networks are open to international consortia of universities, research institutions, companies and other non-academic organisations. The total budget for the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2023 call is set at € 434.8 million. The indicative timeline for applications:
- 30 May 2023: Launch of the call for proposals
- 28 November 2023: Deadline for submitting proposals
- April 2024: Notification of call results to applicants (TBC)
- July 2024: Grant agreement signature for successful projects (TBC)
- August 2024: First EU-funded projects start (TBC)
Only the best applications are being awarded
MSCA Doctoral Networks is a very competitive programme. Only the best applications will receive funding. Therefore we advise to start as early as possible with setting up your network and drafting the proposal. Would you like to have advice or support in this process? Our grant specialists are happy to help you!
