More than €1.5 billion has been allocated to support the Italian public research system. This is the total amount earmarked for 2026 by the Ordinary Fund for Research Institutions and Bodies (FOE), which assigns over €1.548 billion to public research organizations and other scientific and evaluation institutions funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
The objective is to enhance the quality of Italian research, scientific infrastructure, and human capital.
Below is a summary table of the allocations by institution:
Performance-Based Funding and Growth Compared to 2025
The 2026 distribution includes an additional €60 million dedicated to performance-based funding (finanziamento premiale) for public research bodies—a €20 million increase compared to the €40 million allocated last year. This measure was introduced to reward the quality and impact of scientific activity. In fact, these resources are allocated based on specific performance indicators related to scientific output, participation in research infrastructures, and the implementation progress of funded projects.
Consequently, the overall budget allocated to public research institutions marks an increase of approximately €15 million compared to 2025.
Furthermore, €7.27 million has been earmarked for the recruitment of researchers and technologists under the extraordinary hiring plan outlined in the 2026 Budget Law. This measure aims to consolidate and structurally integrate the expertise developed through projects funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).