Source: European Union 2 Published on: 2026-06-24
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks are widely recognised as a benchmark for doctoral programmes and one of the most prestigious achievements on a researcher’s CV. Its prestige and strong impact were common knowledge. But nobody had actually proven it.
A new study from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), “The Added Value of MSCA Doctorates: A Mixed-Methods Study”, is the first ever systematic, large-scale comparison of MSCA Doctoral Networks against everything else on offer.
Researchers overwhelmingly recognise the value of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks. More than 9 in 10 surveyed participants agreed that the programme provides added value compared with other doctoral programmes. The data leaves no room for doubt.
A high share of MSCA researchers are employed within one year of completing their doctorate. MSCA graduates are also three times more likely to land a job in businesses or other non-academic sectors than their non-MSCA peers. In a job market where most research careers happen outside university walls, that is not a footnote — it is the headline.
Why do MSCA researchers achieve stronger career outcomes?
Because the MSCA goes beyond traditional research training. By working across countries, disciplines and sectors, researchers gain real-world experience, build strong international networks and develop the skills to succeed in a wide range of careers.
7 out of 10 MSCA PhD researchers participate in interdisciplinary mobility, highlighting how central cross-disciplinary experience has become in their training.
By combining perspectives and methods from different fields, researchers learn to tackle complex challenges, think beyond traditional boundaries and collaborate effectively across areas of expertise.
The result is not only scientific excellence, but also the adaptability and teamwork skills increasingly valued in today’s job market.
Strong career outcomes are also linked to the environment in which researchers work.
MSCA researchers benefit from stronger support systems, including team-based supervision and better financial security, as highlighted by the study. This allows them to focus on what matters most: excellent research and career development.
The impact of MSCA Doctoral Networks extends beyond the doctoral candidates themselves. For many supervisors, the programme is not simply beneficial, it is essential. 8 in 10 MSCA supervisors report their research project would not have been possible without MSCA doctoral funding.
What this study establishes, for the first time with rigorous evidence, is that MSCA Doctoral Networks are not simply a well-regarded funding line, but they are a structural intervention in how doctoral education works.
The strong recognition of that added value across MSCA and non-MSCA respondents alike makes the case for sustained investment hard to argue against. Europe’s research ambitions depend not only on scientific excellence but on researchers who can operate across disciplines, borders, and sectors. MSCA Doctoral Networks are demonstrably one of the most effective tools available for producing them.
The study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on the added value of MSCA doctoral training compared with non-MSCA programmes. It was conducted by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) between June and November 2024, with the report prepared in 2025. It surveyed approximately 6,800 doctoral candidates and supervisors worldwide.
Of the respondents, 76% participated in MSCA Innovative Training Networks (ITN) and Doctoral Networks (DN) projects funded between 2014 and 2024, while 24% were part of non-MSCA doctoral programmes.
Learn more about MSCA Doctoral Networks and the open call for applications.