EU awards €617M to doctoral networks, strengthening research talent pipeline

The European Commission has announced the results of the 2025 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks call, allocating a total budget of €617.18 million. The funding will support 141 doctoral programmes, training approximately 2,115 doctoral candidates and equipping them with the skills required for successful careers both within and beyond academia. The call drew strong interest from the research community, with 1,616 applications submitted by organisations across Europe and beyond.

As part of the Commission’s commitment to strengthening academia‑industry links, new incentives have been introduced to promote two specific types of doctorates. Among the selected projects, five industrial doctorates will enable researchers to develop their skills outside academia—notably in industry, business, and the public sector. In addition, eight joint doctorates will offer integrated training programmes leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.

The funded projects span all scientific disciplines, with research ranging from fundamental science to applications addressing key societal challenges in areas such as climate change, health, digital transformation, energy, sustainable development, and social science innovation.