Ministry of University & Research (Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca, MUR)

Funds Italy's university system and scientific excellence through competitive national research programs and institutional support.

The Ministero dell'Universita e della Ricerca (MUR) is Italy's ministry for universities and competitive research funding. The record places it in Italy as a federal agency with about EUR 409 million in annual grants and a structural research commitment of at least EUR 1.2 billion across 2026-2028. Its remit covers university policy, research planning, and national science support.

Core routes include PRIN, FIS, PRIN Hybrid, and the new Fondo per la Programmazione della Ricerca, alongside PNRR-backed Partenariati Estesi, Centri Nazionali, and Ecosystems for Innovation. The portfolio spans artificial intelligence infrastructure, biotechnology, climate, energy, medical technology, materials science, quantum research, cyber hardware, photonics, and neurotechnology, with awards from about EUR 141,000 on PRIN calls to about EUR 30.08 million on National Centres.

Calls are scheduled by 30 April each year, with results by 30 September, and applications move through CINECA-operated portals. FIS calls are in English and PRIN calls are in Italian, which makes MUR strongest for universities and research groups that can compete on peer-reviewed merit.