About the MSCA Doctoral Networks
The MSCA Doctoral Networks scheme (MSCA-DN) supports the creation of international doctoral programmes. The partnerships proposing the doctoral programmes may consist of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses, SMEs and other socio-economic actors.
The scheme is completely bottom-up with no pre-selected research topics, but the proposed doctoral programmes should respond to well-identified needs within research and innovation. There are three types of MSCA DN:
Doctoral Networks
Joint research training for PhDs, implemented by at least three partners from in and outside academia. The recruited PhD candidates should experience different sectors and develop their transferable skills by working on joint research projects.
Industrial Doctorates
Training of PhD candidates who wish to develop their skills and step outside academia, in particular in industry and business. Individual participants must be enrolled in a doctoral programme and jointly supervised by academic and non-academic partners.
Joint Doctorates
A highly integrated type of international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration in doctoral training leading to a joint doctoral degree or multiple doctoral degrees awarded by the participating institutions. PhD candidates must be enrolled in a joint programme and be jointly supervised. A pre-existing agreement must exist at the application deadline.
Funding
- Doctoral Networks can last for up to four years. The duration of each fellowship is up to 36 months.
- The networks may receive funding for up to 10 PhDs.
The EU provides support for each recruited researcher in the form of unit costs. Projects are budgeted differently than other EU projects and applicants are encouraged to contact their economy controller as soon as possible.
Eligibility
At least three partners established in different EU member states or associated countries. One partner must be from an EU member state.
Each beneficiary must recruit at least one doctoral candidate and can also organize secondments for them - anywhere in the world.
Specific conditions apply to Industrial and Joint Doctorates.
Further information
Please visit MSCA-2023-DN-call in the Funding and Tender portal for full information about the programme.
Applicants may also refer to the European Commission web pages about the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.