Italy has decided to take a bold step to reverse its long-standing “brain drain” and strengthen its scientific leadership. With a dedicated budget of €50 million, the Italian government is launching a national program designed to bring back top international researchers and position the country as a hub of excellence in global science.
This initiative is more than just funding—it’s a clear response to the challenges of an increasingly competitive and globalized research landscape. By investing in people, Italy aims to secure its future as a leader in innovation.
The core of the program
Announced by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), this call for proposals marks a turning point in addressing the outflow of highly qualified professionals.
Financed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), each selected project will receive up to €1 million over a maximum period of three years. The program is primarily aimed at researchers who have already secured prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grants, a clear sign of their excellence and innovative capacity.
Importantly, the Directorate Decree No. 72 of April 7, 2025, which regulates the program, allocates 40% of total funding to projects in Southern Italy. This strategic choice seeks to revitalize regions historically affected by the loss of skilled human capital, fostering new research hubs able to compete internationally.
Opportunities for international researchers
What makes this program unique is its explicit goal of attracting not only Italian but also foreign researchers.
With recent cuts and uncertainties in public research funding in countries such as the United States, Italy is positioning itself as a solid alternative—offering real opportunities, financial stability, and an inspiring environment.
The program covers frontier projects across:
Social Sciences and Humanities
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Life Sciences
How to apply
Applications had to be submitted exclusively online via the official MUR platform GEA: https://www.gea.mur.gov.it.
The call is closed: applications are no longer accepted. The portal opened on April 15, 2025 at 12:00 CET and the original deadline was June 4, 2025. Because the notice ran on a first-come, first-served basis (a sportello), the Ministry extended it four times — Directorial Decrees no. 128 of 3 June 2025, no. 193 of 17 September 2025, no. 230 of 21 October 2025 and no. 16 of 26 January 2026 — up to the final deadline of 13 May 2026, 12:00 CET. Funding was then awarded by Directorial Decree no. 280 of 25 June 2026.
Required documentation included:
A detailed project proposal in English,
The researcher’s CV,
A commitment letter from the Italian host institution,
Proof of ERC funding obtained.
All applications underwent rigorous peer review, with transparency guaranteed and only the most scientifically valuable projects selected.
Why choose Italy today?
Beyond significant financial support, Italy offers an attractive lifestyle that few countries can match. A mild Mediterranean climate, cultural and artistic richness, world-renowned food and wine, and fiscal incentives for returning professionals make Italy an ideal place to combine career growth with an improved quality of life.
The Italian university and research system is also undergoing reforms aimed at building a more dynamic and competitive environment, ensuring fertile ground for innovation.
A commitment to the future
Italy’s new “brain gain” program is not just an economic strategy—it’s a promise to rebuild the nation by investing in its most precious resource: human and intellectual capital.
By supporting world-class researchers today, Italy is laying the foundations for tomorrow’s growth, innovation, and global leadership.
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