Added Value of MSCA Doctorates: a mixed-methods study (2026)

This Research Executive Agency (REA) study (article awaiting peer review in Open Research Europe) presents the first comprehensive and robust assessment of the added value of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral programmes funded under the Innovative Training Networks (ITN) and Doctoral Networks (DN) calls, relative to non-MSCA doctoral programmes.

Drawing on a mixed methods design combining a literature review, qualitative interviews, and a large-scale quantitative survey involving principal investigators, supervisors, doctorates, and doctoral researchers, the study evaluates programme performance across six core dimensions: triple “i” mobility (international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary), training, supervision, social innovation and working conditions, career development and networking, and structuring effects on European doctoral education.

Overall, the survey results indicate a high level of satisfaction among respondents. To sustain this success and address minor gaps identified by respondents, a set of practical recommendations has been outlined below for the design and implementation of the programme under the new framework programme of the European Commission (FP10) which could further enhance the attractiveness and reach of MSCA Doctoral Networks, while reinforcing their contribution to excellence and innovation in doctoral training across Europe. These recommendations are as follows:

• Increase visibility and attractiveness
• Increase duration of funding: instead of offering three years fellowships a four years fellowships and extending the project duration from four to five years.
• Increase amount of funding: a dedicated study is currently being launched to assess the competitiveness of MSCA DN salary levels and is expected to inform the appropriate level of funding required to maintain the attractiveness of the scheme.
• Strengthen Alignment between MSCA Doctoral Networks and National Doctoral frameworks to harmonise doctoral programmes in the European Education Area (EEA) and European Research Area (ERA)
• Administrative simplification w.r.t application process and eligibility conditions, as well as complex programme requirements

This MSCA article summarise the key findings of the study. The study was presented during a hybrid event in June 2026 More than a PhD: the added value of MSCA Doctorates.