Doctoral Networks fund doctoral programmes designed to respond to identified needs in various research and innovation areas. They were previously known as Innovative Training Networks during the Horizon 2020 programme.
Who should apply
The doctoral programme is set up by partnerships of organisations from across Europe and beyond. These organisations include:
- universities
- research institutions and research infrastructures
- businesses including SMEs
- other socio-economic actors
How it works
MSCA Doctoral Networks design doctoral programmes to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates. The aim is to equip these candidates with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies, enhancing their career perspectives both within and outside academia.
The funded Doctoral Networks will hold open recruitment procedures throughout the course of the maximum 48-month project and the recruited candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the MSCA Work Programme.
What is funded
The MSCA provides a contribution to the:
- salary costs of the doctoral candidate
- research, training and networking costs and overall management of the project
The full MSCA contribution is listed in the MSCA Work Programme.
How we can support you
We are the UK National Contact Point (NCP) for MSCA. You can email mariecurie-uk@ukro.ac.uk for free information and advice.
You can attend our regular free events about MSCA calls. Every event is recorded, so you can catch up on the recordings too.
Additional support for UKRO subscribers
If your organisation subscribes to UKRO, we can provide additional support. Check if your organisation is a subscriber.
While we cannot read proposals and comment on them directly, we do have resources to help with proposal writing. Your UKRO European Advisor is available to advise on general questions about proposals.
Next steps
- Find out if you are eligible to apply; read about types of Doctoral Networks and what the funding covers by visiting the MSCA website.
- Read about the financial support available in the current Work Programme to see if this is right for you.
- Apply on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
If you do not already have an account, you need to register on the portal.
If you or a partner organisation need a Participant Identification Code (PIC), register for one at the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Current job opportunities
If you are a candidate looking to apply for a PhD position under an MSCA Doctoral Network, you can find a list of vacancies on the EURAXESS portal.
There are strict eligibility requirements for these positions, which you can read more about on the MSCA website.
Last updated: 1 March 2024