# Grant Start-Up

**Funder:** AIRC
**Budget:** ~€200k/year (5-year grant)
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** IT
**Official call:** https://www.airc.it/fondazione/cosa-facciamo/cosa-finanziamo/start-up/
**Last verified:** 3 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

5-year start-up grants for researchers of any nationality wishing to establish an independent cancer research laboratory in Italy after significant international experience. Covers research costs, salaries of two dedicated staff, and the PI's own salary. Selection via competitive international peer review; demonstrated leadership potential required. Host institution must be in Italy.

## Summary

AIRC's Grant Start-Up funds early-career cancer researchers of any nationality to establish independent laboratories in Italy after working abroad, with support for research costs, two dedicated staff salaries, and the PI's salary over five years. The call targets researchers returning to Italy with proven leadership potential and strong track records in cancer research. It is open annually via international peer review.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers with significant postdoctoral or international research experience
- Researchers of any nationality planning to establish an independent lab in Italy
- Cancer researchers with demonstrated leadership potential
- Applicants with a track record of publication and independent project conception

## Key dates

- Annual call with deadline to be confirmed on AIRC website
- Single-stage peer review via international panel
- Five-year project duration with salaries and research costs covered

## Tips for applicants

- AIRC emphasises leadership and independence, highlight how your proposed lab direction diverges from your postdoctoral supervisor's work.
- Cancer relevance is evaluated rigorously; frame your project's clinical or translational significance explicitly.
- International peer review means clarity is critical; avoid jargon and make your scientific rationale accessible to reviewers outside your sub-field.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the AIRC Grant Start-Up?

Early-career researchers of any nationality who have significant research experience abroad and plan to establish an independent cancer research lab in Italy.

### How long is the AIRC Grant Start-Up?

Five years; the grant covers research costs, salaries for two dedicated staff members, and the PI's salary.

### Is the AIRC Grant Start-Up recurring?

Yes, AIRC runs this call annually via international peer review.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/airc-grant-start-up-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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