MSCA 2025 DN – Common weaknesses in the implementation section and how to avoid them
12th September 2025 at 3:21 pm
The Implementation section of your MSCA Doctoral Network (DN) proposal is crucial for the funding decision, particularly when your Excellence and Impact sections are strong. This section accounts for 20% of your final score, and evaluators want to see how you will transform your ideas into a well-managed, feasible project. Even minor oversights here can negatively impact your score. Through our extensive experience reviewing and improving previously unsuccessful proposals, we have identified common weaknesses in the Implementation section. In this blog, we will highlight these shortcomings and provide insights on how to avoid them as you prepare your DN proposal for the upcoming deadline on 25 November 2025.
Poorly planned deliverables and milestones
One of the most common issues in the implementation section is inadequate planning of deliverables and milestones. Evaluators often raise concerns when scientific milestones are scheduled only at the very end of the project, with few or no intermediate checkpoints. Deliverables are frequently described too vaguely, often focusing on administrative outputs such as reports or meeting minutes rather than capturing tangible scientific results. This creates the impression that the consortium has not carefully considered how to monitor the project’s progress. Both milestones and deliverables should be logically distributed throughout the project lifecycle, aligning with critical time points and expected outcomes. If possible, include some early scientific milestones and deliverables (M12-24). Lastly, the list of deliverables and milestones should encompass a balanced mix of scientific, administrative, training, and outreach-related achievements. This balance instils confidence in evaluators that the project can be effectively managed and that any deviations from the plan will be detected and addressed promptly.
Superficial risks and mitigation measures
A common area where proposals often lose points is in the identification of risks and the development of mitigation measures. Proposals frequently present generic risks without addressing the specific vulnerabilities associated with the scientific approach and the technical interdependencies involved. This can make the contingency plan seem superficial. Evaluators expect to see a tailored risk analysis and mitigation plan. For example, proposals should identify potential failure points in the methodology, limitations in partner infrastructure, or ethical challenges that may delay data collection or sharing. For each risk identified, it is essential to provide transparent and credible mitigation measures. By demonstrating that you have anticipated potential issues and outlined appropriate response strategies, you enhance trust in the consortium’s ability to successfully deliver the project.
Unclear partner roles and complementarity
Evaluators often highlight the lack of clarity regarding how partners collaborate on the project and how their complementary skills will be utilised. They seek to understand the specific contributions of each partner, including associated partners, to the project’s research and training programme. To address this issue, the proposal should clearly demonstrate that roles are strategically aligned to leverage the expertise and synergies of each partner. Utilising a matrix or map can effectively illustrate which partner contributes to various aspects of the project, such as research, training, supervision, secondments, and specific disciplines.
Resubmitting or preparing a new DN proposal?
TA strong Implementation section is not just about scheduling tasks and assigning responsibilities. It ties the proposal together and demonstrates that your consortium is not only ambitious but capable of delivering the proposed project. At accelopment, we have guided numerous MSCA DN consortia through successful submissions, helping new or previously unfunded DN proposals reach the required threshold and secure funding. As an Associated Partner in three Horizon Europe DNs currently in grant preparation (BioTransform, INT2ACT and PANIONS), seven ongoing DNs DarChem, MobiliTraIN, BREAKthrough, CONCISE, MITGEST, MIRELAI and SYNSENSO, as well as many H2020 ITNs, we at accelopment have gathered a great deal of practical experience in Proposal Writing, Project Management and Dissemination support as well as Transferable Skills Training all geared toward DNs. If you are interested in our support for your upcoming DN proposal, feel free to contact us.
Jacqueline Strehler
Research & Innovation Project Manager
Dr. Anna Ziemele
Research & Innovation Project Associate