The Embassy is pleased to announce three opportunities aimed at promoting research, innovation and international scientific cooperation. The awards are open to Italian researchers working abroad, innovators and foreign women scientists engaged in bilateral scientific cooperation.
The deadline for submitting applications for all three awards is 18 September 2026. Applications must be sent to the following email address: ambcolombo.concorsi@esteri.it.
- FARNESINA PRIZE – ITALIAN BILATERAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION AWARD
The “Farnesina Prize – Italian Bilateral Scientific Cooperation Award” is intended for young Italian researchers working abroad. It aims to promote scientific mobility to Italy and encourage the return and recognition of Italian talent.
The winner will have the opportunity to undertake a three-month research placement in Italy at a research institution selected by CoPER – the Council of Presidents of Italian Research Institutions, in a field relevant to their research. The Prize also includes a grant of approximately €15,000 to cover expenses related to the research stay.
Main eligibility requirements:
- applicants must be no older than 35 years of age on the date the call is published;
- applicants must have been resident in the country of application (Sri Lanka) since at least 1 January 2021;
- applicants must have between three and seven years of experience following the completion of their PhD;
- applicants must demonstrate high-level scientific achievements and international research collaborations.
For further information on the objectives of the Prize, the assessment criteria, the selection procedure and how to apply, please consult the full call for applications.
The Nomination Form is available Premio Farnesina – Nomination Form.
- “L’INNOVAZIONE CHE PARLA ITALIANO” AWARD
The “L’innovazione che parla italiano” Award recognises the outstanding innovative value of technology start-ups established abroad by Italian citizens.
The winner will be invited to present their research and innovation activities at the Conference of Scientific and Space Attachés and Agricultural Experts, scheduled to take place in Reggio Calabria in November, and will receive a certificate and commemorative plaque.
Main eligibility requirements:
- Italian citizenship;
- possession of a university degree and completion of at least part of their university or postgraduate studies in Italy;
- the applicant must be the founder or co-founder of an innovative start-up with a strong technological focus, established no more than five years ago and operating in Sri Lanka.
For further information on the application procedure and assessment criteria, please consult the full call for applications.
The Application Form is available L’innovazione che parla italiano Award – Application Form.
- “SCIENCE, SHE SAYS!” AWARD
The “Science, She Says!” Award is intended for young foreign women researchers under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves through their contribution to the development of bilateral scientific cooperation.
Five researchers will be selected, one from each of the following geographical regions: Africa and the Middle East; Asia and the Pacific; Europe; Central and South America and the Caribbean; and North America. The award, consisting of a certificate and commemorative plaque, will be presented during the Italian Research Day in the World.
Main eligibility requirements:
- applicants must be no older than 40 years of age as of 15 September 2026;
- applicants must have been resident in the country of application (Sri Lanka) since at least 1 January 2024;
- applicants must have an outstanding academic and/or scientific record and demonstrate significant research achievements;
- applicants must have made a significant contribution to bilateral scientific cooperation in any field of science and technology.
Nominations must be submitted by a recognised scientific expert affiliated with a university, scientific academy, research institute or other relevant scientific institution. Self-nominations and group nominations will not be accepted.
For further information on the assessment criteria, the selection procedure and how to apply, please consult the full call for applications.
The Nomination Form is available Premio Science She Says – Nomination Form.
