# Southern Italy Scholars

**Funder:** AIRC
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** IT
**Official call:** https://www.airc.it/fondazione/cosa-facciamo/cosa-finanziamo/southern-italy-scholars
**Last verified:** 3 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Grants for independent researchers establishing their own laboratory and conducting cancer research at an institution in southern or insular Italy (Mezzogiorno). Promotes collaboration networks with research groups elsewhere in Italy or abroad. Host institution must be located in southern/insular Italy. Page shows active grantees; no open application window currently visible.

## Summary

The AIRC Southern Italy Scholars grant supports independent researchers establishing their own laboratories at institutions in southern or insular Italy, with a five-year project duration. The call targets researchers building independent groups while fostering collaboration with research teams elsewhere in Italy or internationally. This is a strategic initiative to strengthen cancer research capacity in southern Italy.

## Who should apply

- Researchers establishing independent laboratories in southern or insular Italy
- Cancer researchers moving into or within southern/insular Italian institutions
- Applicants planning to build collaboration networks with Italian and international research groups
- Early to mid-career researchers ready to lead their own research programme

## Key dates

- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Host institution location is a gating criterion, ensure your institution qualifies as southern or insular Italy before application.
- The collaboration component is assessed; name specific Italian and international partner groups to strengthen the networking angle.
- Position your lab as a hub in the southern Italy cancer research ecosystem, not an isolated group.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the AIRC Southern Italy Scholars grant?

Independent researchers establishing their own laboratories at institutions in southern or insular Italy.

### What is the duration of the AIRC Southern Italy Scholars grant?

Five years per funded project.

### Does the AIRC Southern Italy Scholars grant require collaborations?

Yes, the programme encourages applicants to foster networks of collaborations with research groups elsewhere in Italy or abroad.

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

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