The European Commission has announced the results of the 2025 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks, allocating a total of €617.18 million (approximately USD $717m / CAD $986m) to support 141 doctoral programs. These programs will train approximately 2,115 doctoral candidates, equipping them with the skills needed for successful careers both within and beyond academia.
The call attracted significant interest from the global research community, with 1,616 applications submitted by organizations across Europe and partner countries. The selected projects will be implemented through international partnerships involving 2,701 organizations across 61 countries, highlighting the global reach and collaborative nature of MSCA.
As part of the European Commission’s commitment to fostering stronger links between academia and industry, dedicated support has been provided for specialized doctoral formats.
Among the selected projects:
5 Industrial Doctorates (funded with €19.7 million) will enable doctoral candidates to develop their skills in non-academic settings, including industry, business, and the public sector.
8 Joint Doctorates (funded with €34.6 million) will offer integrated training programs leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees through international collaboration.
These programs promote joint supervision, cross-sectoral mobility, and enhanced employability for early-stage researchers.
The next call for MSCA Doctoral Networks is scheduled to open on May 28th, 2026, offering new opportunities for institutions and researchers worldwide to participate in collaborative doctoral training programs.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Since 1996, MSCA has supported over 150,000 researchers, including 23 Nobel Prize laureates, and has become a cornerstone of European research and innovation.