Joint call for interest

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2027: PIONEER Support Programme

Find partners. Strengthen your proposal. Prepare for the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2027 call.

PIONEER supports researchers, academics and research managers in building international consortia and preparing competitive Doctoral Network proposals. Through matchmaking, training webinars and proposal-writing support, PIONEER helps you connect with European partners and develop your research idea.

Find partners. Strengthen your proposal. Prepare for the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2027 call.

PIONEER supports researchers, academics and research managers in building international consortia and preparing competitive Doctoral Network proposals. Through matchmaking, training webinars and proposal-writing support, PIONEER helps you connect with European partners and develop your research idea.

Why join PIONEER?

Find partners

Build your consortium by connecting with other PIONEER researchers and ecosystem partners.

Get proposal support

Receive guidance on MSCA DN expectations, evaluation criteria and proposal development.

Build European collaborations

Create international, interdisciplinary research networks aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Who can participate?

Researchers, academics and research managers from PIONEER universities who:

Why MSCA Doctoral Networks?

MSCA Doctoral Networks offer an opportunity to build ambitious international doctoral programmes and attract outstanding early-career researchers. Successful projects can recruit doctoral candidates, secure European funding for doctoral training and research collaboration, strengthen international and interdisciplinary partnerships, and increase the visibility and impact of participating research teams.

Different types of Doctoral Networks — Standard Doctoral Networks, Industrial Doctorates and Joint Doctorates — are available depending on the structure and objectives of your consortium.

Recruit up to
15

doctoral candidates

Funding
EU

for doctoral training and research

Network types
3

standard, industrial, joint

How does it work?

Submit your interest

Deadline: 30 September 2026

Submit your interest

Join the kick-off webinar

Understand MSCA requirements and PIONEER support.

Join the kick-off webinar

Find partners

Matchmaking activities: November 2026 - January 2027

Find partners

Writing your proposal

Proposal-writing support: February - June 2027

Writing your proposal

Submit your interest

Deadline: 30 September 2026

Join the kick-off webinar

Understand MSCA requirements and PIONEER support.

Find partners

Matchmaking activities: November 2026 - January 2027

Writing your proposal

Proposal-writing support: February - June 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. PIONEER supports matchmaking to help identify missing expertise.

No. You can participate as coordinator, beneficiary or associated partner.

No. PIONEER provides support, training and matchmaking opportunities.

Use the PIONEER Matchmaking Tool.

Learn more

For detailed information about MSCA Doctoral Network categories, funding, eligibility and detailed requirements, download the full programme document.