The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation supports and promotes missions abroad and in Italy carried out by Italian and foreign researchers, professors, experts, cultural figures and cultural operators.
The main objective of the funding is to foster the development of strategic partnerships and cultural and scientific projects between foreign and Italian institutions in the medium and long term.
Target beneficiaries
– Italian researchers, professors, experts, cultural figures and cultural operators residing abroad (or foreign nationals residing in Italy for at least two years) invited to spend a period at Italian university or cultural institutions for study or research purposes;
How to apply for the contribution
– Applicants may submit their requests using the application form attached to the call and providing all required documentation to the email address: abuja.segreteria@esteri.it.
Only applications from individuals who have received an official invitation from a university or cultural institution will be accepted, with preference given to invitations within the framework of bilateral Cultural Cooperation Agreements and Executive Programmes.
Contributions will be granted following evaluation by the foreign offices and the competent central offices, based on the following criteria:
- applicant’s curriculum;
- potential medium- and long-term impact of the mission in terms of developing cultural or scientific projects and partnerships between Italian and foreign institutions;
- prestige of the cultural institutions involved;
- rotation principle among beneficiaries;
- alignment of the mission with the geographical and thematic priorities identified by the Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy;
- existence of an Executive Programme of Cultural Cooperation in force between Italy and the applicant’s country of residence (for foreign beneficiaries) or the destination country (for Italian beneficiaries)
Information and deadlines
The Call for Applications and the related form can be downloaded free of charge. The contribution is eligible for all activities taking place from 1 January to 15 November 2026. Contributions cannot be granted for missions occurring after 15 November 2026. Applications must be received by the Institute no later than 17 July 2026.
All requests can be addressed to: abuja.segreteria@esteri.it