The Ministry of University and Research (MUR) has officially opened the application process for the PRIN 2026 (Projects of Relevant National Interest) call. This represents the first operational step of the new Three-Year Research Plan, designed to provide the Italian academic and scientific system with long-term programming, stable resources, and a certain timeline for funding and recruitment procedures.
Objectives: Collaboration and Critical Mass
The PRIN 2026 call aims to support fundamental research projects with a duration of 36 months. Compared to previous editions, this new line of intervention focuses decisively on creating greater "critical mass": projects must be submitted by partnerships consisting of a minimum of four and a maximum of six research units belonging to different institutions (Universities, Public Research Bodies, and AFAM institutions).
This collaborative approach is further strengthened by the possibility of involving researchers and young scholars from outside the lead institution, thereby promoting the circulation of expertise and multidisciplinary integration across the national territory.
Resources and Participation Criteria
The total budget amounts to €260 million. For each initiative, a financial contribution between €1 million and €1.2 million is planned.
One of the most significant updates concerns support for generational renewal and alignment with European standards:
• Youth Reserve: 15% of the total budget is reserved for projects coordinated by researchers under the age of 40;
• Career Protection: exemptions to age limits are introduced for maternity leave, paternity leave, or long-term illness, aligning Italian criteria with those defined by the European Research Council (ERC).
Research Fields and Submission Procedures
Project proposals may cover any field of investigation, provided they fall within the three ERC macro-sectors:
1. LS (Life Sciences)
2. PE (Physical Sciences and Engineering)
3. SH (Social Sciences and Humanities)
Timeline and Deadlines:
- Portal Opening: 3:00 PM (CET) on April 17, 2026.
- Submission Deadline: 3:00 PM (CET) on June 1, 2026.
The funding ecosystem will be further expanded by April 30 with the publication of two additional intervention lines: the PRIN Hybrid and the Synergy Grant, aimed at stimulating integrated research models and high-profile scientific cooperation.
Learn more: PRIN 2026