Five months to go: Setting your MSCA Doctoral network proposal up for success

The MSCA Doctoral Networks deadline may still feel far away, but experienced applicants know that proposals are won or lost long before the writing starts. At this stage, many consortia are refining research ideas, identifying partners, and discussing the structure of their doctoral training programme.

The temptation is to focus almost exclusively on the science. But here’s the reality: excellent science is expected. What distinguishes successful MSCA-DN proposals is their ability to combine outstanding research with outstanding doctoral training.

Tip #1: Start with the researchers, not the research

A simple question can transform your proposal: ‘Why would an excellent doctoral candidate choose your network?’

If the answer only refers to the research topic, you’re missing opportunities. Think about international exposure, intersectoral collaboration, transferable skills, career development and unique training experiences.

Remember: evaluators are assessing a doctoral training programme, not just a research project.

Tip #2: Build one story, not ten PhD projects

One of the most common weaknesses in MSCA-DN proposals is that they read like a collection of separate PhD topics.

The strongest proposals feel like a journey.

Every doctoral project should contribute to a common challenge, with clear links between objectives, work packages and expected outcomes. If evaluators can immediately understand how all pieces fit together, you’re already ahead of many competitors.

Tip #3: Design meaningful secondments

Secondments are much more than an MSCA requirement—they are a unique opportunity for doctoral candidates to broaden their expertise and professional network.

The strongest secondments provide access to skills, facilities or perspectives that are unavailable at the home institution. They contribute directly to the research objectives while offering genuine exposure to another sector or discipline.

Before including a secondment, ask yourself one question: ‘Why does this researcher need to be there?’

If the added value is clear, evaluators will see it too.

Tip #4: Make industry a true partner

Industrial and societal partners should not simply appear in the consortium table.

Industrial partners should play an active role.

Think about how they can actively shape training, host secondments, provide data, contribute to supervision or expose doctoral candidates to non-academic career paths. The more authentic the collaboration, the stronger the proposal.

Tip #5: Design impact from day 1

Many applicants postpone discussions about impact until the final drafting stage. Do not do that.

The best impact sections are not written at the end. They are designed from the beginning.

Ask yourself now:

• Who will benefit from the research?
• What could change because of the project?
• How will results reach the people who need them?

The answers should influence your project design from the outset.

The good news?

With five months remaining, there is still plenty of time to strengthen your concept, sharpen your training strategy and create a network that genuinely stands out.

Every successful MSCA Doctoral Network started exactly where you are now: with an ambitious idea and a consortium willing to invest in excellence.

We support applicants throughout the proposal development process, helping consortia translate strong ideas into competitive MSCA-DN proposals. If you would like support, leave us a message. We would be happy to explore how we can help.