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Strategic Analysis
To win HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01, focus on designing a highly integrated, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral doctoral training programme that addresses critical R&I skills gaps while fostering talent circulation across Europe and beyond. The proposal must demonstrate clear alignment with the EU’s human capital and innovation objectives, emphasizing open science, entrepreneurship, and long-term employability of doctoral candidates. A strong supervisory board, joint/industrial doctorates, and transparent, merit-based recruitment will be key differentiators.
MSCA Doctoral Networks will implement doctoral programmes, by partnerships of universities, research institutions and research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors from different countries across Europe and beyond. MSCA Doctoral Networks are indeed open to the participation of organisations from third countries, in view of fostering strategic international partnerships for the training and exchange of researchers.
These doctoral programmes will respond to well-identified needs in various R&I areas, expose the researchers to the academic and non-academic sectors, and offer training in research-related, as well as transferable skills and competences relevant for innovation and long-term employability (e.g. entrepreneurship, commercialisation of results, Intellectual Property Rights, communication).
Proposals for doctoral networks can reflect existing or planned research partnerships among the participating organisations.
The selection procedure for doctoral candidates must be open, transparent and merit-based, in line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The vacancy notice (to be widely advertised internationally, including on the EURAXESS website) must mention if the published rates include all employer and employee's taxes and contributions. If possible, the gross salary (net salary + employee’s taxes and contributions) should be published.
MSCA Doctoral Networks are encouraged to lead to Industrial or Joint Doctorates.
Through Industrial Doctorates, doctoral candidates will step outside academia and develop skills in industry and business by being jointly supervised by academic and non-academic organisations, both of which can be established in the same EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
Joint Doctorates represent a highly integrated type of international, inter-sectoral and multi/interdisciplinary collaboration in doctoral training. They lead to the delivery of joint, double or multiple doctoral degrees recognised in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
Each MSCA Doctoral Network should have a clearly identified supervisory board co-ordinating network-wide training, research and in particular supervision activities in line with the Guidelines for MSCA supervision, while establishing continuous communication and exchange of best practice among the participating organisations to maximise the benefits of the partnership.
MSCA Doctoral Networks should exploit complementarities between participating organisations and foster sharing of knowledge and networking activities for example through the organisation of workshops and conferences. Proposed training activities should respond to well identified needs in various R&I areas, with appropriate references to inter- and multidisciplinary fields and follow the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training.
Training activities should be primarily focused on developing new scientific knowledge through original research on personalised projects. Inter-sectoral secondments of researchers to other participating organisations, including in third countries, are encouraged when relevant, feasible and beneficial for the researchers and in line with the project objectives. This will increase the employability of the researchers outside academia.
Doctoral Networks should develop substantial training modules, including digital ones, addressing key transferable skills and competences common to all fields and fostering the culture of Open Science, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as good scientific conduct such as research integrity.
Doctoral Networks should adequately prepare doctoral candidates for increased research collaboration and information-sharing made possible by new (digital) technologies (e.g. collaborative tools, opening access to publications and to other research outputs including data, FAIR data management, societal engagement and citizen science, etc.).
Particular attention is paid to the quality of supervision and mentoring arrangements as well as career guidance. Joint supervision of the researchers is mandatory for Industrial and Joint Doctorates.
A Career Development Plan must be established jointly by the supervisor and each recruited doctoral candidate. In case of joint supervision, such a plan should be established involving all supervisors. In addition to research objectives, this plan comprises the researcher's training and career needs, including training on transferable skills, teaching, planning for publications and participation in conferences and events aiming at opening science and research to citizens. The plan, established at the beginning of the recruitment, should be revised (and updated where needed) within 18 months.
New research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia;
New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant;
Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact.
Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements;
Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines;
Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations;
Boosted R&I capacity;
Increased internationalisation and attractiveness;
Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations.
Strengthen Europe's human capital base in R&I by training highly-skilled doctoral candidates;
Improve the attractiveness of researchers’ careers notably through better working and employment conditions of doctoral candidates in Europe;
Enhance talent and knowledge circulation across the R&I landscape, through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility;
Increase Europe's attractiveness as a leading research destination;
Enhance the quality of R&I contributing to Europe's sustainable competitiveness;
Establish sustainable collaboration between academic and non-academic organisations;
Foster the culture of open science, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Horizon Europe Programme Guide
highOutlines the overarching framework for Horizon Europe, including the MSCA Doctoral Networks as a key instrument for training highly skilled researchers and fostering talent circulation across Europe and beyond.
Evaluators will expect proposals to align with the Horizon Europe strategic objectives, particularly those related to excellence, talent development, and open science. Compliance with the Programme Guide’s principles (e.g., gender equality, ethics, and inclusiveness) is mandatory.
Horizon Europe Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
highDefines the legal and financial rules for participation in Horizon Europe, including eligibility criteria, funding models, and reporting requirements for MSCA Doctoral Networks.
Evaluators will verify compliance with eligibility rules (e.g., consortium composition, budget limits) and financial regulations (e.g., cost categories, audits). Proposals must demonstrate a clear understanding of these rules to avoid disqualification.
Horizon Europe Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
highSpecifies the strategic priorities and implementation of Horizon Europe, including the role of MSCA in strengthening Europe’s human capital base and promoting inter-sectoral and international collaboration.
Evaluators will look for proposals that align with the MSCA-specific objectives, such as innovative doctoral training, joint/industrial doctorates, and talent circulation. Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to the broader Horizon Europe goals.
The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment
highProvides a framework for the recruitment, working conditions, and career development of researchers in Europe. It emphasizes transparency, merit-based recruitment, and equal opportunities.
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that demonstrate alignment with the Charter and Code, particularly in recruitment processes, career development plans, and supervision quality. Compliance is critical for scoring highly in the excellence and impact criteria.
EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training
highOutlines best practices for doctoral training, including interdisciplinary research, transferable skills, international mobility, and inter-sectoral collaboration. It serves as a benchmark for high-quality doctoral programmes.
Evaluators will expect proposals to explicitly reference and implement these principles, particularly in the design of the doctoral training programme, supervision arrangements, and career development plans. Proposals should demonstrate how they go beyond traditional doctoral training models.
EU Financial Regulation
mediumGoverns the financial management of EU funds, including Horizon Europe. It sets out rules for budgeting, reporting, and auditing to ensure transparency and accountability.
Evaluators will assess the financial viability of the proposal, including realistic budgeting, cost eligibility, and compliance with financial reporting requirements. Proposals must demonstrate sound financial planning.
1. Admissibility conditions — Described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System
2. Eligible Countries — Described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — Described in the MSCA part of the Work Programme.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in the MSCA part of the Work Programme . Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual . Specific MSCA evaluation process is described on the MSCA section of the REA website . Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes 5. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: Described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. See exceptions and
in the MSCA part of the Work Programme . 6. Specific conditions: Described in the MSCA part of the Work Programme. Call Information Event Call Information Event - 24 June 2025 - Recording, slides and FAQs will remain available under the same link. Call documents: Standard application form — call-specific application form is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE MSCA DN) Standard evaluation form — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE MSCA) MGA HE Unit MGA v1.0 Call-specific instructions HE MSCA DN Guide for Applicants
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions HE Main Work Programme 2023–2025 – 13. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1MSCA Doctoral Networks will implement doctoral programmes, by partnerships of universities, research institutions and research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors from different countries across Europe and beyond. MSCA Doctoral Networks are indeed open to the participation of organisations from third countries, in view of fostering strategic international partnerships for the training and exchange of researchers. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2These doctoral programmes will respond to well-identified needs in various R&I areas, expose the researchers to the academic and non-academic sectors, and offer training in research-related, as well as transferable skills and competences relevant for innovation and long-term employability (e.g. entrepreneurship, commercialisation of results, Intellectual Property Rights, communication). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Proposals for doctoral networks can reflect existing or planned research partnerships among the participating organisations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4The selection procedure for doctoral candidates must be open, transparent and merit-based, in line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The vacancy notice (to be widely advertised internationally, including on the EURAXESS website) must mention if the published rates include all employer and employee's taxes and contributions. If possible, the gross salary (net salary + employee’s taxes and contributions) should be published. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5MSCA Doctoral Networks are encouraged to lead to Industrial or Joint Doctorates. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Through Industrial Doctorates, doctoral candidates will step outside academia and develop skills in industry and business by being jointly supervised by academic and non-academic organisations, both of which can be established in the same EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Joint Doctorates represent a highly integrated type of international, inter-sectoral and multi/interdisciplinary collaboration in doctoral training. They lead to the delivery of joint, double or multiple doctoral degrees recognised in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Each MSCA Doctoral Network should have a clearly identified supervisory board co-ordinating network-wide training, research and in particular supervision activities in line with the Guidelines for MSCA supervision, while establishing continuous communication and exchange of best practice among the participating organisations to maximise the benefits of the partnership. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9MSCA Doctoral Networks should exploit complementarities between participating organisations and foster sharing of knowledge and networking activities for example through the organisation of workshops and conferences. Proposed training activities should respond to well identified needs in various R&I areas, with appropriate references to inter- and multidisciplinary fields and follow the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Training activities should be primarily focused on developing new scientific knowledge through original research on personalised projects. Inter-sectoral secondments of researchers to other participating organisations, including in third countries, are encouraged when relevant, feasible and beneficial for the researchers and in line with the project objectives. This will increase the employability of the researchers outside academia. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Doctoral Networks should develop substantial training modules, including digital ones, addressing key transferable skills and competences common to all fields and fostering the culture of Open Science, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as good scientific conduct such as research integrity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC12Doctoral Networks should adequately prepare doctoral candidates for increased research collaboration and information-sharing made possible by new (digital) technologies (e.g. collaborative tools, opening access to publications and to other research outputs including data, FAIR data management, societal engagement and citizen science, etc.). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC13Particular attention is paid to the quality of supervision and mentoring arrangements as well as career guidance. Joint supervision of the researchers is mandatory for Industrial and Joint Doctorates. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC14A Career Development Plan must be established jointly by the supervisor and each recruited doctoral candidate. In case of joint supervision, such a plan should be established involving all supervisors. In addition to research objectives, this plan comprises the researcher's training and career needs, including training on transferable skills, teaching, planning for publications and participation in conferences and events aiming at opening science and research to citizens. The plan, established at the beginning of the recruitment, should be revised (and updated where needed) within 18 months. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1New research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO6Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO7Boosted R&I capacity; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO8Increased internationalisation and attractiveness; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO9Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Strengthen Europe's human capital base in R&I by training highly-skilled doctoral candidates; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Improve the attractiveness of researchers’ careers notably through better working and employment conditions of doctoral candidates in Europe; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Enhance talent and knowledge circulation across the R&I landscape, through international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Increase Europe's attractiveness as a leading research destination; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Enhance the quality of R&I contributing to Europe's sustainable competitiveness; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Establish sustainable collaboration between academic and non-academic organisations; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Foster the culture of open science, innovation and entrepreneurship. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1Horizon Europe Programme GuideOutlines the overarching framework for Horizon Europe, including the MSCA Doctoral Networks as a key instrument for training highly skilled researchers and fostering talent circulation across Europe and beyond. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2Horizon Europe Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695Defines the legal and financial rules for participation in Horizon Europe, including eligibility criteria, funding models, and reporting requirements for MSCA Doctoral Networks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3Horizon Europe Specific Programme Decision 2021/764Specifies the strategic priorities and implementation of Horizon Europe, including the role of MSCA in strengthening Europe’s human capital base and promoting inter-sectoral and international collaboration . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitmentProvides a framework for the recruitment, working conditions, and career development of researchers in Europe. It emphasizes transparency, merit-based recruitment, and equal opportunities . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral TrainingOutlines best practices for doctoral training , including interdisciplinary research, transferable skills, international mobility, and inter-sectoral collaboration . It serves as a benchmark for high-quality doctoral programmes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
The European R&I landscape faces critical skills shortages in interdisciplinary research, transferable skills, and inter-sectoral collaboration, limiting innovation capacity and employability of researchers.
Existing doctoral programmes often lack integration between academic and non-academic sectors, resulting in limited exposure to real-world challenges and reduced career prospects for researchers outside academia.
Researchers face structural, administrative, and financial barriers to mobility, hindering talent circulation and collaboration across borders and sectors.
Doctoral training programmes often underemphasize open science practices (e.g., FAIR data, citizen science) and public communication, limiting the broader impact of research.
There is a disconnect between academic research and industry needs, leading to missed opportunities for innovation, commercialization, and long-term employability of researchers.
Doctoral candidates recruited through the network, benefiting from interdisciplinary training, inter-sectoral mobility, and career development opportunities.
Researchers and professors from participating universities and research institutions who will supervise and mentor doctoral candidates, ensuring high-quality training and research outcomes.
Organizations from the private and public sectors involved in the network, providing secondment opportunities, co-supervision, and real-world research challenges for doctoral candidates.
Researchers and institutions beyond the consortium who will benefit from the network’s outputs, including open-access publications, shared best practices, and collaborative research initiatives.
EU and national policy makers who will leverage the network’s outcomes to inform R&I policies, doctoral training standards, and funding strategies.
Citizens and civil society organizations engaged through outreach activities, citizen science, and public communication of research results.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Improve the long-term employability of early-stage researchers by equipping them with research-related and transferable skills, inter-sectoral experience, and exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Establish sustainable partnerships between universities, research institutions, and industry/SMEs, fostering knowledge transfer, joint supervision, and long-term collaboration.
Boost Europe’s attractiveness as a leading research destination by promoting international mobility, talent circulation, and strategic partnerships with third countries.
Enhance the quality, relevance, and sustainability of doctoral training programmes through innovative curricula, joint supervision, and alignment with the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training.
Foster a culture of open science, innovation, and entrepreneurship among doctoral candidates, supervisors, and partners, enhancing research impact and societal engagement.