RAISE Doctoral Networks for AI in Science (RAISE pilot)

Overview

Funding for doctoral training networks that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into scientific research, targeting academic and non-academic organizations to develop AI-driven innovations in science. Supports doctoral candidates in acquiring AI skills while advancing domain-specific scientific knowledge.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of universities, research institutions, businesses, and other organizations from eligible countries. Proposals must align with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026 eligibility criteria, including cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Funding Details

Funding follows MSCA Doctoral Networks rules, with EU contributions based on the number of person-months requested. Specific unit contributions and budget limits are outlined in the MSCA Work Programme. The total available budget for RAISE is approximately one-third of the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 budget.

What Is Funded

Doctoral training programs that:

• Develop or significantly advance AI systems, models, tools, or methodologies for scientific domains.
• Ensure AI innovation directly enables scientific breakthroughs in the doctoral research discipline.
• Provide dedicated AI-in-science training for all doctoral candidates.
• Foster interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Proposals must demonstrate:

• AI development as an integral part of the research, not merely instrumental use of existing tools.
• Scientific advancements dependent on AI capabilities, with outcomes published in domain-specific venues.
• Exclusion of proposals focused solely on computer-scientific AI development without scientific domain impact.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-27
• Deadline: 2026-11-23

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call. Applicants must declare interest in RAISE and demonstrate alignment with its "AI in science" scope. Evaluation follows MSCA criteria, with additional relevance assessment for RAISE.

Geographic Scope & Language

Open to eligible countries as defined in Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Proposals must comply with all MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 admissibility and eligibility conditions.
• Successful applicants join the RAISE research community, with obligations for networking and knowledge sharing.
• Funding is contingent on passing MSCA thresholds and RAISE relevance assessment.