Dec 19, 2025
TU Dresden secures seven EU Doctoral Networks
Success in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: Approximately EUR 2.76 million for doctoral networks ranging from sustainable space launches to cancer therapy
TUD Dresden University of Technology performed exceptionally well in the 2024 call for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks. In total, seven projects involving TU Dresden (TUD) were selected for funding. One of these networks is coordinated by TUD. In the other six, TUD is involved as a partner. A total of around EUR 2.76 million will be allocated to TUD for this purpose.
The MSCA Doctoral Networks are a part of the EU Horizon Europe Framework program. They provide support for international doctoral programs in which academic and non-academic institutes work together to train outstanding early-career researchers. The aim is to provide the best education for highly qualified doctoral students, to strengthen their creativity and innovative skills, and to broaden their career prospects both within and outside academia.
This success was made possible by professional support from the applicant. TUD’s European Project Center supports the teams from the initial application stage through to project implementation. The SLICE project, which is coordinated by TUD, will start on January 1.
The seven funded MSCA Doctoral Networks with TUD involvement
SLICE – Space Launch Impact on Climate and Environment
TUD’s role: Coordinator
Project lead (TUD): Dr. Christian Bach, Prof. Martin Tajmar (Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 580,544.64
The SLICE project researches the impact of space launches on the climate and environment. In an international Doctoral Network, experts in space technology and climate science will work together to better understand the environmental footprint of launch systems and to design more sustainable space-launch technologies. TU Dresden is coordinating the Network and consolidating its leading role in space and propulsion technology.
Further information
COMBINE – Coupled Problems for Decarbonization in Industry and Power Generation
TUD’s role: Partner (beneficiary)
Project lead (TUD): Prof. Maik Gude (Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 290,272.32
COMBINE addresses the complex interrelationship between liquids and structures, known as fluid–structure interaction (FSI). The objective is to develop methods and materials that are especially relevant for decarbonization strategies in industry and energy production. TU Dresden contributes its expertise in simulation, materials and lightweight construction research and, together with its partners, trains a new generation of FSI specialists. The integration of TUD into the COMBINE network is ultimately the result of the 2024 HZDR-TUD Matching Day.
E-Sailors – Electric solar wind sail doctors
TUD’s role: Partner (beneficiary)
Project lead (TUD): Prof. Martin Tajmar (Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 725,680.80
The E-Sailors project is developing a novel electric solar sail propulsion system that uses solar wind to propel vessels through space. TU Dresden is responsible for key technologies for electrically charging the sail. The Doctoral Network covers sail and satellite design, modeling, mission analysis, and the path to demonstration in space—an important step toward more efficient propulsion systems for future space missions.
EXODOCS – ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Doctoral Network
TUD’s role: Partner (beneficiary)
Project lead (TUD): Prof. Dirk Plettemeier (Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 290,272.32
EXODOCS builds on the successes of the ExoMars Rover mission Rosalind Franklin and establishes a Doctoral Network in the fields of planetary exploration and astrobiology. TU Dresden contributes its expertise in high-frequency and communications technology as well as sensor technology. PhD students trained in the network work on preparing future missions to Mars and to deepening our understanding of the Martian environment and the search for extraterrestrial life.
RAPTORplus – Right-time Adaptive Particle Therapy Of canceR – Personalization through anatomical plus biological adaptation
TUD’s role: Partner (beneficiary)
Project lead (TUD): Prof. Christian Richter (Faculty of Medicine)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 290,272.32
The RAPTORplus project is developing the next generation of personalized adaptive proton therapy. The focus is on the efficient implementation of online adaptive treatment strategies, technological advances for broad clinical application, and the biomarker-based individualization of therapy. TU Dresden is involved through the OncoRay Center, which is jointly supported by TU Dresden, the University Hospital, and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, and thus plays a role in training doctoral students working at the cutting edge of medical physics, clinical practice, and technology.
REACT – Self-AwaRe NEuromorphic ArChiTectures: Security, Reliability and Energy-Efficiency
TUD’s role: Partner (beneficiary)
Project lead (TUD): Prof. Jeronimo Castrillon (Faculty of Computer Science)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 290,272.32
The REACT network is training 15 doctoral students in neuromorphic systems—computer architectures inspired by the human brain. The goal is to develop adaptive, secure, and extremely energy-efficient hardware and software solutions. TU Dresden contributes its expertise in compiler technology and system software, helping to unlock the potential of neuromorphic systems for future, sustainable IT applications.
SHIELD – Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices
TUD’s role: Partner (beneficiary)
Project lead (TUD): Prof. Michael Gelinsky (Faculty of Medicine)
Funding sum for TUD: EUR 290,272.32
The SHIELD Doctoral Network focuses on infections related to implants, which cause serious complications, particularly in orthopedics, ENT medicine, and dentistry. TU Dresden's Center for Translational Bone, Joint, and Soft Tissue Research is exploring new antibacterial strategies based on the local release of bacteriophages from biomaterials. The goal is to significantly increase the service life and safety of medical implants through innovative materials and translational research.
https://www.shield-dn.eu/en
With these seven doctoral networks, TU Dresden is strengthening its international visibility and competitiveness in graduate education—from aerospace and energy technology to computer science, medicine, and biomedicine. At the same time, they make an vital contribution to training the next generation of top researchers in Europe.
Media contact:
TU Dresden
European Project Center
Friederieke Noack | Grop Leader/Head of Unit
Tel: +49 351 463-42191
www.epc-dresden.de