Nearly €600 million for the new MSCA Doctoral Networks call

This year too, the European Commission has launched a new call for Doctoral Networks, one of the flagship initiatives under the Horizon Europe programme for early-career researchers training. With a budget of €597.8 million, MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025 aims to fund innovative and high-impact interdisciplinary doctoral programmes designed by international and cross-sectoral consortia. The deadline for submitting proposals is 25 November 2025. Within the framework of this initiative, Zabala Innovation offers a proposal review service as well as support with full proposal submission and assistance in project management

The main goal of the MSCA Doctoral Networks is to train a new generation of highly qualified PhD candidates capable of tackling the most complex social and technological challenges in Europe and beyond. These programmes promote not only scientific excellence but also the development of transferable skills that are essential for innovation, long-term employability, and professional leadership within and beyond academia.

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025: a diverse and flexible structure

Projects seeking funding must be developed by international consortia composed of at least three independent legal entities established in three EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with at least one located in an EU Member State. In addition, organisations from anywhere in the world may join, reinforcing the programme’s global and collaborative nature.

The MSCA Doctoral Networks fund three types of programmes:

• Standard Doctorates, focused on challenging research projects and scientific training for PhD candidates in a rigorous, multidisciplinary environment which may include not only public and private universities and research centres, but also companies and other non-academic organisations.
• Industrial Doctorates, aimed at early-stage researchers wishing to gain experience in non-academic settings. These programmes are conducted in close collaboration between academia and the private sector and ensure joint supervision by both sectors.
• Joint Doctorates, promoting highly integrated international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary cooperation. PhD candidates enrol in joint programmes that lead to the award of joint or multiple doctoral degrees recognised by the participating institutions.

Expert support

Zabala Innovation supports organisations interested in preparing proposals for the MSCA Doctoral Networks and other European funding programmes in R&D and innovation, providing assistance throughout all stages of the process. Our team of consultants, experienced in European projects, works closely with applicants from the formation of the consortium and the strategic definition of the proposal to the collection of input from partners, technical follow-up, and drafting of key sections.

Within this framework, Zabala also offers a dedicated review and advisory service during the proposal writing process. This tailored service includes an in-depth analysis of the specific call and the development of a proposal structure based on our recommendations and well-established best practices.

Throughout the process, we maintain regular contact with the project coordinator to address questions, guide content development, and support the consortium’s efforts. Depending on the needs of the applicant, we can also design and facilitate practical workshops focusing on strategic sections, such as the impact part or the structuring of the training programme—an essential element in the evaluation of excellence.

“We carry out several staged reviews, providing observations and suggestions to enhance the content. After each round, we meet with the applicant to clarify comments and help them integrate our input effectively. This collaborative approach enables us to provide high-quality support aligned with the project’s objectives and the client’s expectations,” explains Sara Marin, senior consultant in European projects at Zabala Innovation.

Solid budget backing and strong competition

The latest results published by the European Commission in April, referring to the 2024 call, reflect the increasing relevance of this funding scheme. In total, 149 doctoral programmes were selected to receive €608.6 million, enabling the training of over 1,800 PhD candidates.

Out of this total, €536.9 million was allocated to 133 standard programmes, while €26 million was distributed across 8 Industrial Doctorates and €33 million among 8 Joint Doctorates. These figures underscore a strong commitment to diverse training pathways tailored to the varying needs of the labour market and research landscape.

The European Research Executive Agency, which manages the programme, received 1,417 proposals, resulting in a success rate of 10.6%—a figure that confirms the programme’s high standards and competitive nature.

Beyond funding: the challenge of project management

Securing European funding is only the first step. The real complexity begins during the implementation phase, which is marked by demanding administrative, financial, and communication requirements. Many organisations—especially those with limited experience in European projects—struggle to fully meet the European Commission’s expectations.

As Marín explains, “It is precisely at this critical stage where the Zabala Innovation team can offer distinctive added value by supporting beneficiaries in the efficient management of their projects.” The consultancy provides management support services for MSCA Doctoral Networks projects, assisting in key areas such as:

• Effective project launch, ensuring compliance with signed agreements, organising kick-off meetings, and supporting proper milestone planning.
• Assistance in the drafting and monitoring of technical, financial, and administrative reports, helping to ease the bureaucratic workload for consortia.
• Guidance for the recruitment and supervision of doctoral candidates, as well as with the organisation of governance meetings.
• Development and implementation of communication and dissemination strategies, including outreach planning, identification of target audiences, and enhancing project visibility through various channels.

“Thanks to this comprehensive approach, Zabala Innovation not only maximises the chances of securing funding but also helps ensure that funded projects achieve their objectives with the greatest possible impact,” Marin concludes.