Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are part of the Horizon Europe framework, supporting excellent international research training through funded doctoral networks and Postdoctoral fellowships.

At Tel Aviv University, MSCA applications and post-award procedures are supported centrally by the Lowy International School, through a designated MSCA Program Coordinator.

The Lowy International School serves as the primary institutional contact point for MSCA-related matters, from initial inquiries through the project implementation stages.

 What Is an MSCA Doctoral Network?

An MSCA Doctoral Network is a consortium-based PhD training program involving multiple institutions across Europe and, where relevant, non-academic partners.

There are several types of doctoral programs within MSCA network.

Standard Doctoral Networks support international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral doctoral training, primarily within academia.

Industrial Doctorates combine academic research with hands-on experience in industry or other non-academic sectors, with joint supervision by academic and non-academic partners.

Joint Doctorates offer highly integrated international doctoral programmes leading to a joint or multiple doctoral degrees, with joint enrollment and supervision across institutions.

• A minimum of three institutions in three different EU or associated countries
• Jointly designed research and training programs
• Network-wide training activities, secondments, and transferable skills training
• Employment of MSCA Fellows by the host institution, following acceptance as Doctoral Candidates to the University

MSCA doctoral candidates recruited under DNs are employed by the University, not scholarship holders. Their salary and social benefits are fully paid by the MSCA grant.

 Why Join an MSCA Doctoral Network at TAU?

MSCA Doctoral Networks (DNs) enable faculty to recruit highly competitive international PhD candidates within a structured, fully funded research and training framework.

For PIs at TAU, MSCA DNs offer:

• Fully funded doctoral researchers for up to 36 months
• Recruitment through open, international calls
• Integration into an EU-wide research and training network
• Enhanced international visibility and academic standing
• Alignment with Horizon Europe excellence and training priorities

Doctoral Networks are particularly suitable for faculty who:

• Participate in or lead international research consortia
• Supervise doctoral research within structured training frameworks
• Seek to host and mentor excellent international PhD researchers

 What Is The Role of the Principal Investigator under MSCA DNs?

As a PI hosting an MSCA Doctoral Network researcher at TAU, your role typically includes:

• Defining the doctoral research project and training objectives
• Supervising the recruited doctoral candidate at TAU
• Participating in consortium-level academic and training activities
• Contributing to scientific reporting and network coordination, as required

Administrative support and procedural guidance are provided centrally through the Lowy International School’s MSCA Program Coordinator.