Portugal secures record new funding in Call Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks

Portuguese institutions secured more than €13 million in Call Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN), corresponding to 2.23% of the total funding available. A total of 1,417 consortia of institutions submitted proposals to Call, with 149 proposals being selected for funding. Two of the winning consortia are coordinated by Portuguese institutions: one by the University of Lisbon and the other by the University of Aveiro. Overall, Portuguese institutions are part of 36 winning consortia.

MSCA DN is a Horizon Europe instrument designed to fund international doctoral programs, requiring consortia with a minimum of three institutions from three different countries. Like the other Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, it aims to train and develop the careers of researchers through three dimensions of mobility: between countries, between the academic and non-academic sectors, and between disciplines.

Funding obtained by Portuguese institutions under this Horizon Europe instrument has been increasing steadily: in 2021 , €6.61 million was obtained , in 2022 €7.91 million, in 2023 €12.09 million, and in 2024 €13.32 million.

The next Call DN Call is expected to be open between May 28 and November 25, 2025. As in previous years, the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) will hold an information session about this Call , subsequently, a proposal writing workshop for applicants. Both initiatives will be announced through the FCT's Horizon Europe contact list and the FCT news page.

The European Commission will also hold an online information session about this Call June 24, 2025.

The FCT is responsible for promoting Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions in Portugal, regularly holding information sessions and proposal writing workshops. It is also responsible for representing Portugal on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Program Configuration Committee, within the European Union.