Bernini: reform of research contracts against the hell of precariousness

The draft law reforming research contracts that will make it possible to overcome the current 'hell of precarious employment' has been approved: this was announced by the Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, during the press conference at the end of the Council of Ministers. "It is a real 'toolbox' at the disposal of universities, public research bodies and Afam institutions, with differentiated tools according to the different levels of research and with increasing protections as one progresses along the academic path," Bernini said. "From September, we will start a debate with the social partners and we will activate an observatory at Mur, which will include all the representatives involved, to assess the impact of these regulations over the next three years".

Minister Bernini pointed out that the new measure aims to close the gap that the research system has in terms of contracts and grants, since research grants will no longer be extended after 31 December 2024. Specifically, the new measure provides for forms of collaboration by students during their undergraduate or master's degree course for a maximum of 200 hours per year. Students will be able to provide research assistance in addition to collaboration in university services. The remuneration can be up to EUR 3,500 per year.

Two types of research assistantships are then introduced: a junior one, for master's or single-cycle degree students, and a senior one, for PhD students. In both cases, the duration ranges from a minimum of one year to a maximum of three. The remuneration will be established by a decree of the Minister for Universities and Research. Next comes the postdoctoral contract that can be signed by the research doctor. In this case, research activities may be carried out, as well as collaboration in teaching and third mission activities.

With regard to the remuneration, the minimum amount will be established by decree of the minister in an amount not less than the initial remuneration due to a confirmed researcher on a fixed-term basis (13 monthly salaries and severance pay). The duration will range from a minimum of one year to a maximum of three. The research contracts, introduced in 2022, for which bargaining between Aran and trade unions is underway, remain in place.

The figure of the Adjunct Professor is then introduced, who will be able to carry out specific teaching, research and third mission activities in universities, enriching, with his or her contribution, the educational pathway of students through a more practical and multidisciplinary approach. The contract may last from a minimum of three months to a maximum of three years.