Doctoral Networks 2026 call opens for submission

Full Job Description

Consortia can submit their project proposals to implement doctoral programmes in all scientific fields.

The 2026 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks is open for submissions as of 28 May 2026 with a deadline to apply by 24 November 2026.

This call will dedicate €593 million to fund over 130 projects in all scientific fields and the training and skills development of 1950 doctoral candidates.

Which Types Of Consortia Can Apply

MSCA Doctoral Networks implement doctoral programmes through consortia of organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond, including

• higher education institutions
• research institutions and infrastructures
• private sector organisations, including industry, businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises
• public sector organisations, including national, regional, and local governments, agencies and museums
• other socio-economic actors

For more details on the composition of the consortia applying check the scheme’s page and the MSCA Work Programme.

Features Of The Networks

The MSCA are open to all domains of research and innovation, chosen freely by the applicants, and have a strong focus on interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral cooperation.

Doctoral Networks support programmes that address this triple dimension, spanning all research fields. They provide specific incentives to promote cooperation between academic and non-academic sectors.

Selected networks will enable their researchers to explore the academic and non-academic sectors, and offer them research training, as well as transferable skills and competences particularly relevant for innovation and their long-term employability.

Benefits For Institutions

Participating institutions receive funding to develop excellent doctoral programmes allowing them to recruit talented researchers, boost their global visibility and foster cooperation with other sectors and countries.

Award Considerations

Key award criteria include

• quality and novelty of the research and innovation methodologies applied
• research conducted
• training, supervision and career guidance provided to researchers

Key Novelty

A new element is introduced through the RAISE Doctoral Networks for AI in Science, a pilot initiative under Horizon Europe Cluster 4. This introduces additional funding opportunities for projects that integrate artificial intelligence into scientific research.

Types Of Networks Funded

Doctoral Networks offer 3 funding modalities to set up doctoral programmes with specific incentives for Industrial and Joint Doctoral Networks

Standard Doctoral Networks

• promote international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral cooperation to train PhD candidates in various scientific areas, with a focus on promoting entrepreneurial mind-sets, research-related and transferable skills and long-term career prospects within and outside academia.

Industrial Doctoral Networks

• train PhD candidates and develop their skills outside academia, including in industry and business. Doctoral candidates also benefit from joint industry-academia supervision. These programmes foster the close cooperation between the academic and non-academic worlds and are ideal catalysts for technology transfer and for nurturing innovation.

Joint Doctoral Networks

• train PhD candidates through integrated programmes leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees. These programmes promote structuring collaboration among institutions and are required to establish joint operational procedures for recruitment, admission, supervision and evaluation of doctoral candidates.

How to apply

Read how to apply for funding, and attend the upcoming info day on 3 June.

Indicative Timeline

28 May 2026: launch of the call for proposals

24 November 2026: deadline to submit proposals

April 2027: notification of call results to applicants (TBC)

July 2027: grant agreement signature for successful projects (TBC)

September 2027: first EU-funded projects start (TBC)

Did You Know About The 30Th Anniversary Of Msca?

This year marks a key milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

Since its inception, the programme has played a crucial role in advancing research and innovation, supporting over 150,000 researchers, including 23 Nobel Prize winners. The programme has been a cornerstone of European research and a beacon of excellence, fostering mobility across disciplines, sectors, and countries and attracting and nurturing top talent.

2026 is a moment to reflect on what has been achieved, and to look ahead to what comes next.

Explore The Activities Marking 30 Years Of The Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions

A dedicated page structured around the symbolic theme of Radium (in reference to Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s discovery), showcasing stories, milestones and highlights from 30 years of MSCA.

Learn more about the programme, its objectives and its impact on research careers.

Granddaughter of Marie Skłodowska-Curie, sharing insights on her legacy and its relevance today.

A selection of events organised by MSCA networks to mark the anniversary.

Ready-to-use visuals, key messages and materials to help partners and stakeholders share and promote the celebrations.

Find Out More And Apply

Follow the MSCA on LinkedIn

Subscribe to the MSCA Newsletter

Read more about Doctoral Networks

Doctoral Networks call: 6 steps to prepare your application

Guide for Applicants – Doctoral Networks 2026 call

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