The MSCA Doctoral Networks Proposal Writing Camp, organised by TÜBİTAK under the Technical Assistance for Türkiye in Horizon Europe Project, brought together researchers and various actors from the research and innovation ecosystem in Ankara on 7 September 2026. Coordinated by the MSCA National Contact Points, the event went beyond a conventional information day by focusing on transforming strong research ideas into competitive, coherent and well-structured project proposals.
The programme opened with welcoming remarks and informative presentations by National Contact Points Dr Burcu Bahar Göğüş Doğan, Dr Tuğba Arslan Kantarcıoğlu and Şeyma Sayımlar, while the technical sessions were delivered by Dr Juliane Sauer. The sessions focused on developing an integrated approach to research and doctoral training within the framework of the Excellence, Impact and Implementation criteria, defining expected impacts, and designing a feasible and effective work plan.
Bringing the European Commission’s evaluation approach directly into proposal-writing practice, the programme combined expert presentations with hands-on exercises and question-and-answer sessions. This enabled participants to assess and further develop the criteria covered during the training through their own project ideas. Throughout the day, participants also had the opportunity to consult directly with the National Contact Points, raise specific questions and exchange views on their project preparation processes.
Attracting participants from different cities across Türkiye, the event brought together academics and researchers from universities, doctoral and master’s students, experts working in research and project support offices, as well as representatives from public institutions, the private sector and research centres. In this way, the interdisciplinary and intersectoral nature of MSCA Doctoral Networks was also reflected in the diverse profile of the participants.
The Proposal Writing Camp aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the MSCA Doctoral Networks evaluation logic and enhance their capacity to transform research and training ideas into coherent, convincing and competitive project proposals. The event also sought to help participants identify the strengths and areas for improvement in their project ideas prior to submission and to support institutions from Türkiye in taking a stronger role as coordinators or partners in future MSCA Doctoral Networks.