MSCA doctoral programmes "mark of quality" but need to evolve to maintain global edge

A study assessing the "added value" of the European Union’s flagship Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral programmes has concluded that it continues to excel as a "quality label" for doctoral education, but evolution is necessary to maintain its global edge in an increasingly competitive market.

The study, published in Open Research Europe on 02/07/2026, shows that MSCA fellows benefit from better international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary opportunities, while better working conditions allow them to dedicate more time and energy to their research.

However, the authors also point out that the MSCA suffer from a lack of visibility. The programme's three-year funding limit is also highlighted as a challenge, as institutional standards usually require four years.

To maximise…