364 million from the three-year research plan for over 200 projects

Unveiled eight months ago, the three-year research plan is now getting into full swing, allocating more than 364 million to 239 projects selected in the first calls for proposals. The decree establishing the plan was signed in February 2026, and funding is now being provided for the first three calls for proposals: 260 million is going to the PRIN (Projects of Significant National Interest 2026) call, over 56 to PRIN Hybrid and 48 to Synergy Grant 2026.

Compared with the 2022 PRIN calls for proposals, the Ministry notes, the evaluation times have been shortened from 15 months to four, and there is greater international openness, with 87 per cent of reviewers for PRIN calls and 50 per cent for PRIN Hybrid calls. “With the three-year plan, we have shifted gear in research funding: we have moved from uncertainty over timelines to a fixed call schedule and clear planning, and from resources allocated on a case-by-case basis to a three-year budget allocation,” observes the Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. “The initial results show us a vibrant scientific community, capable of proposing high-quality projects, bringing together diverse expertise and engaging with major technological transformations. “We have changed our approach,” continues Bernini, “and the initial results are proving us right: today, research enjoys greater certainty, more opportunities and a clear direction. It is a national policy choice, because investing in research means strengthening Italia’s capacity to innovate, grow and build its own future.”

Of the 364 million, the largest share – amounting to 260 million euros – is earmarked for PRIN projects, namely fundamental research projects carried out in collaboration between universities, public research bodies and AFAM institutions. Of the 4,279 proposals submitted, 199 were selected. Of these, 70 relate to the life sciences, 69 to the physical and engineering sciences, and 60 to the social sciences and humanities. Furthermore, approximately 39 million of the 260 million is earmarked for projects led by researchers under the age of 40.

A total of 56.6 million has been allocated to PRIN Hybrid projects, which promote a multidisciplinary approach and the integration of theoretical knowledge with the application of new technologies. Thirty proposals have been funded out of the 395 received. Ten relate to artificial intelligence (€17.7 million), ten to innovative technologies and approaches in the healthcare sector (€18 million), four to quantum technologies (7.6 million), three to cyber security (6.8 million), and three to High Performance Computing (6.5 million). Here too, 15 per cent of the funding, amounting to €8.5 million, is reserved for projects led by researchers under the age of 40. Finally, all ten proposals relating to the Synergy Grants have been funded, totalling €48 million. These are applied and cutting-edge research projects carried out at the major national research centres established under the PNRR, involving a total of 112 organisations, comprising 38 companies and 74 research bodies.