Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026 is sponsored by European Commission. Funds doctoral training networks to enhance the career prospects of early-stage researchers.

Doctoral Networks 2026 call opens for submission | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks 2026 call opens for submission 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 .

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.

Key award criteria include quality and novelty of the research and innovation methodologies applied training, supervision and career guidance provided to researchers A new element is introduced through the RAISE Doctoral Networks for AI in Science , a pilot initiative under Horizon Europe Cluster 4.

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.

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

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 MSCA 30th anniversary webpage 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. Video interview with Prof. Dr. Hélène Langevin-Joliot Granddaughter of Marie Skłodowska-Curie, sharing insights on her legacy and its relevance today. Events across Europe and beyond 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. Follow the MSCA on LinkedIn Doctoral Networks call: 6 steps to prepare your application Guide for Applicants – Doctoral Networks 2026 call Give your feedback about this page Did you find this page useful? What was useful about it?

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