A new study by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) provides strong evidence of the added value of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks for researchers, institutions and doctoral training in Europe and beyond.
“The Added Value of MSCA Doctorates: A Mixed-Methods Study” is the first large-scale systematic comparison of MSCA doctoral training with non-MSCA doctoral programmes. Based on responses from approximately 6,800 doctoral candidates and supervisors worldwide, the study shows that more than 9 in 10 surveyed participants recognise the added value of MSCA compared with other doctoral programmes.
The findings point to particularly strong career outcomes. Around 90% of MSCA doctoral graduates are employed within one year of completing their PhD, while MSCA graduates are 3.5 times more likely to work outside academia than their non-MSCA peers.
The study also highlights the distinctive international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary dimension of MSCA training. Nine in ten MSCA doctoral researchers gain intersectoral experience and collaborate internationally, while seven in ten participate in interdisciplinary mobility. MSCA researchers also report stronger support systems, including team-based supervision and better financial security.
Importantly, the impact extends beyond individual researchers. Eight in ten MSCA supervisors reported that their research project would not have been possible without MSCA doctoral funding.
These findings provide important evidence of the role of MSCA Doctoral Networks in developing researchers who can work across countries, sectors and disciplines, while strengthening international research cooperation and institutional capacity.
The publication is particularly timely as the 2026 MSCA Doctoral Networks call is currently open, offering organisations worldwide opportunities to build international partnerships and develop innovative doctoral training programmes.
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