Italian Science Fund (FIS 2) Starting Grant 2026

The Italian Science Fund (FIS 2) Starting Grant is a competitive Italian research funding scheme designed to support promising early-career researchers in developing independent research projects hosted by institutions in Italy. It is associated with the national research funding system overseen by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.

Rather than being a single university scholarship, this programme functions as a grant scheme that funds research projects, which may in turn create opportunities such as PhD scholarships, research fellowships, or project-based academic positions at Italian universities and research institutions. For example, reference postings show FIS 2 Starting Grant funding supporting PhD scholarships at the University of Padua within an interdisciplinary sociology-related climate litigation project.

Funding terms can vary by host project and institution. In the referenced posting, the broader project received substantial support under the FIS Starting Grant scheme, but the exact stipend for the advertised PhD scholarships was not specified. Applicants should therefore check the specific university or project call for details on financial coverage, duration, and employment or scholarship conditions.

Eligibility also depends on the individual opportunity funded under the scheme. In project-based calls, applicants are typically expected to match the academic profile of the host programme, submit a research proposal aligned with the advertised topic, and meet the admission requirements of the relevant degree or research pathway. Language and documentation requirements may also vary by host institution.

If you are interested in the Italian Science Fund (FIS 2) Starting Grant, the best approach is to monitor calls from Italian universities and research departments that explicitly state they are funded by FIS 2. Carefully read each posting for details on the research area, host department, required documents, and application process.