The Ministry of University and Research in Italy has launched the PRIN Hybrid 2026 call for proposals, introducing €56.6 million in funding to support multidisciplinary research projects that combine humanities, social sciences, and new technologies. The initiative is part of the country’s Three-Year Research Plan and reflects a growing emphasis on integrating humanistic knowledge with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity.
The programme aims to fund three-year collaborative projects that promote dialogue across disciplines and address major technological and societal challenges. Eligible research must focus on priority areas defined by the European Research Council, including quantum technologies, high-performance computing, AI, cybersecurity, and innovations in healthcare. A key requirement is that projects must involve at least two ERC macro-sectors, with social sciences and humanities participation being mandatory.
PRIN Hybrid projects are designed to encourage large-scale collaboration, requiring research teams made up of four to six units from different universities or institutions. This structure is intended to promote the exchange of expertise and strengthen cooperation across Italy’s research ecosystem.
Each selected project will receive funding between €1.2 million and €1.7 million. The programme also introduces specific measures to support early-career researchers, with 15 percent of the total budget reserved for applicants under 40 years of age. Provisions are also included for researchers affected by maternity, paternity, or long-term illness, ensuring alignment with European inclusion standards. In addition, budget distribution rules limit any single thematic area to a maximum of 30 percent and a minimum of 10 percent of total funding.
The call is open to researchers from universities, research institutions, and AFAM institutions who have not participated in the PRIN 2026 call. Applications will be accepted from April 20 to June 4, 2026. The launch of PRIN Hybrid follows the earlier PRIN 2026 programme, with another funding instrument, the Synergy Grant for highly innovative research projects, expected to be released later in April 2026.
