The Marco Polo Program aims to provide mobility incentives with the goal of promoting research carried out abroad by young researchers from the University of Bologna.
The incentives cover research stays abroad at universities or public and private research centers (including research and development departments and centers at companies) located in foreign countries.
The Vatican City and the Republic of San Marino are not considered foreign countries. Research stays at companies and enrollment and attendance in study and/or training courses are excluded.
For reasons related to the conduct of research activities, upon request by the supervisor and approval by the Department Council, it is possible to choose a maximum of two host institutions for the period indicated, provided that the locations are located in the same country. For reasons related to the conduct of research activities, upon request by the supervisor and approval by the Department Council, it is possible to choose a maximum of two host institutions for the indicated period,
provided that the locations are in the same geographical area.
Only individuals who hold one of the following positions may apply:
1. fixed-term researcher: holder of a contract stipulated with the University of Bologna in accordance with the relevant regulations, pursuant to Article 24, paragraph 3 of Law No. 240 of December 29, 2010;
2. research fellow: holder of a research fellowship contract stipulated with the University of Bologna in accordance with the regulations in force for research fellowships;
3. doctoral student: student enrolled in a doctoral program with administrative headquarters at the University of Bologna.
The Marco Polo incentive cannot be awarded for stays in the country of birth, citizenship, residence, or domicile of the doctoral student.
Doctoral students must submit their application by the end of the legal duration of the doctoral program. All stays covered by the application must be completed by the same deadline.
Please note that research fellows and PhD students who are beneficiaries of contracts financed with external resources, through agreements with third parties that provide for the possibility of transferring results and industrial property rights, may access the Marco Polo incentive if the research activity, agreed with the supervisor, to be carried out during their stay abroad, is not necessarily and directly related to the research project currently underway.
The deadline for submitting applications for this selection round is March 16, 2026.
For more information: download the attachments
