We present an example of how a doctoral network can bring together
multidisciplinary expertise and novel scientific advances in atmospheric
dust. This network (Dust-DN) has started operations and is a strategic
alliance of high-profile partners, able to leverage unique facilities
for atmospheric research and innovative space missions. The network aims
to improve our understandings of dust processes and microphysics,
identify the signature of source regions, address the socio-economic
impacts of dust transport and improve the quantification of the role of
dust in the climate system. The first results have already been achieved
and are shown here, and many more are expected to follow.