2026 Modigliani Research Grant
On-Site
Research/project funding
25000 - 50000 EUR
Bulgaria, Polonia, Czechia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Romania, Ungheria, Austria, Croazia, Germania, Italia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovacchia
OPEN
UniCredit Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the 17th edition of the Modigliani Research Grant, established in memory of Nobel Laureate Franco Modigliani.
Target
Students and researchers
Category
Research support
Call Open
20 July 2026 - 16 October 2026
The initiative aims to support and recognise outstanding early-career researchers in the fields of economics and finance, enabling them to pursue innovative research projects and contribute to the advancement of academic research, in line with UniCredit Foundation’s mission to invest in talent and promote scientific excellence.
Research Grant Details
UniCredit Foundation will award 4 research grants to researchers of any nationality employed at European universities located in Countries where UniCredit Group operates. At least one of the four grants will be awarded to a female candidate.
Grant amount: €25,000 gross per year, renewable for a second year, up to a maximum total amount of €50,000 gross per recipient
Duration: up to two years.
Key Dates
Application deadline: 16 October 2026
Announcement of winners: by 1 February 2027
This initiative reflects UniCredit Foundation’s commitment to investing in young talent, supporting academic excellence and fostering the next generation of economists and researchers.
- Apply
Eligibility
The competition is open to young researchers of any nationality employed at European universities located in the countries where UniCredit Group operates (see following question).
The eligible countries are: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Yes, applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1991. Exceptions apply: female candidates: +1 year per child; male candidates: extension equivalent to documented parental leave.
Applicants must hold a PhD in economics, finance, or a related quantitative field (e.g., statistics, mathematics, data science) with a demonstrated focus on economic or financial applications.
Applicants must hold positions such as: Assistant Professor, Research Assistant or equivalent position at a European university within eligible countries (see previous questions).
Yes, candidates must have at least two articles published or forthcoming in international journals.
Applicants must submit an original research project in economics or finance that: is not funded by other sources, is suitable for academic publication.
Yes, but all co-authors must meet the same eligibility requirements.
The project must start no later than March 2027.
No, projects already funded by other sources are not eligible.
No. Only candidates who already hold a PhD in economics, finance, or a related quantitative field are eligible to apply. Current PhD students do not meet eligibility requirements.
No. Associate Professors are not eligible, either as principal applicants or as co-authors. The Modigliani Research Grant is intended for early-career researchers holding positions such as Assistant Professor, Research Assistant, or equivalent roles.
No. The eligible-country requirement (see previous Questions) applies only to the applicant’s current academic position. Previous academic appointments may have been held in any country.
No. Projects that are already funded or expected to receive funding from other institutions during the grant period are not eligible. Applicants must ensure that the proposed research project is carried out exclusively under the support of the Modigliani Research Grant.
Funding received exclusively for a preliminary pilot phase may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should clearly describe the nature, scope, and purpose of any previous funding in their application. The Scientific Committee and UniCredit Foundation reserve the right to assess whether such funding affects the project's eligibility.
Contact Information
For further information email: info@unicreditfoundation.org
Piazza Gae Aulenti 3, Tower A
20154 Milan , Italia
