The Marie Curie Doctoral Network World
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks are one of the EU’s main scheme for doctoral training. They fund cross-border PhD programmes run by consortia of research institutes, universities, and companies so that candidates train in an environment that is simultaneously international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral. Doctoral Networks place strong emphasis on transparent recruitment, high-quality supervision, good working conditions and researcher development, in line with EU principles such as the European Charter for Researchers and related good practices for doctoral training. Within this ecosystem, ProtAIomics positions itself as an AI-powered proteomics hub.
The Core of MSCA: The Doctoral Student
At the heart of every Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action is the doctoral researcher. In ProtAIomics, our 16 fellows aren’t just recipients of training they are empowered scientists-in-the-making, embedded in an ecosystem that favour independence, mobility and interdisciplinary collaboration.
As fully funded PhD candidates, they take the lead in cutting-edge research across AI-driven proteomics, benefiting from day-to-day immersion in world-class labs. This journey unfolds across borders and sectors, shaping not only their skills but their scientific identity and global perspective. Regular mentoring and career planning ensure each fellow’s path is personally meaningful as well as professionally competitive.
ProtAIomics offers an AI-powered doctorate within a vibrant Marie Skłodowska-Curie framework. By the time they defend their theses, our fellows won’t just have world-class skills and experience, they’ll be lifelong members of the global MSCA family, connected to an alumni network that spans every corner of science, industry and policy.
Gender Aspects
ProtAIomics is committed to embedding gender equality across its research, training, and organisational practices. Our approach aligns with the principles of Horizon Europe and the European Commission’s objectives for inclusive and responsible research.
The consortium will actively promote gender balance in recruitment processes, selection committees, leadership roles, and speaker invitations. All beneficiaries comply with institutional Gender Equality Plans (GEPs), as required under Horizon Europe, reinforcing structural support for inclusive practices.
To build awareness and support inclusive working environments, all fellows will receive training on gender-sensitive research design, unconscious bias, and inclusive team communication as part of their transferable skills curriculum. These topics are integrated into the broader training programme and reinforced through mentoring and peer exchange. ProtAIomics will also address gender-related challenges through targeted workshops and by engaging with international communities that advocate for underrepresented groups in science and technology. These include initiatives such as: R-Ladies, Females in Mass Spectrometry , Women in Machine Learning | WiML, Women in AI (#WAI) and Education | BSC-CNS.
By creating an inclusive and reflective research environment, ProtAIomics aims not only to foster scientific excellence, but also to empower a diverse new generation of AI-driven proteomics researchers.
Environmental Sustainability – our MSCA Green Charter commitment
ProtAIomics embraces the MSCA Green Charter as a practical guide for lowering our footprint while we push scientific frontiers. Our plan spans three layers of responsibility that reinforce one another, ensuring that ProtAIomics advances proteomics and AI without compromising the planet that ultimately benefits from our discoveries.
Researcher-Related Measures: Recognizing the importance of minimizing our carbon footprint, ProtAIomics will prioritize low-carbon transportation for all project-related travel. This includes encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking for commuting purposes, where feasible. Moreover, the project will leverage the power of teleconferencing tools to reduce the need for physical travel to meetings and conferences, thus contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. This strategy aligns with the MSCA Green Charter’s emphasis on sustainable event organization and the use of ecolabel-certified accommodations during professional travels.
Institutional-Related Measures: ProtAIomics will actively promote green purchasing practices for all project related materials. This involves a commitment to sourcing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and other consumable items, including options that are reusable, recyclable, and/or highly biodegradable. The initiative will also encompass the adoption of the European Commission’s guidelines for Green Public Procurement, ensuring that environmental considerations are integral to all purchasing decisions.
Consortium-Related Measures: For events requiring physical attendance, ProtAIomics will ensure that sustainability is a core consideration in all aspects of their organization. This will include careful planning regarding the number, duration, and location of events, as well as environmentally friendly travel arrangements, accommodation, catering, and the production of handouts. The project will also promote the use of teleconferencing and hybrid conferencing solutions in scenarios where physical presence is not imperative, along with providing training on the effective use of these tools.