# Southern Italy Scholars 2026

**Funder:** AIRC
**Deadline:** 30 October 2026 (No open call window visible; page lists currently active grantees only)
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** IT
**Official call:** https://www.direzionescientifica.airc.it/funding-for-research/individual-grants/southern-italy-scholars-sis/
**Last updated:** 11 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

The AIRC SIS grants will foster the creation of new research units in Southern or Insular Italy. They will be led by talented scientists with a strong commitment to cancer research, seeking an opportunity of developing their independent careers and establishing a network of collaborations with resea

## 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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