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Call for Thematic Proposals for the Activities of the Ciampi Institute
1. BACKGROUND
The Carlo Azeglio Ciampi Institute for Advanced Studies (hereinafter the “Institute”), “uniquely characterized, in comparison with other research centers of the Scuola Normale, by joint, cross-cutting and interdisciplinary activity by the Classes” (Article 1 of the Institute Regulations), contributes to the fulfilment of the statutory purpose of “promoting the development of culture, teaching and research in the fields of mathematical, natural, humanistic and political-social sciences, exploring their interconnections and potential for development, including within the framework of the Third Mission” (Article 2 of the Statute of the Scuola).
2. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SUBJECT MATTER
Starting in 2027, the Institute intends to focus a substantial part of its activities on a broad interdisciplinary research theme addressing the major challenges of our time. The theme will be selected to attract plural and interdisciplinary expertise within the Scuola and to include initiatives that are distinct from, and complementary to, those organized within the Classes. The activities will take place in Florence and Pisa.
3. ELIGIBILITY
The theme will be identified by the Institute’s Scientific Council from among the proposals submitted by faculty members and researchers of the Scuola.
4. PURPOSE AND PERIOD OF VALIDITY
This call is intended to solicit proposals for two distinct themes: the first to be addressed in the 2026–2027 academic year (starting on 1 January 2027 and ending on 31 October 2027), and the second in the 2027–2028 academic year (1 November 2027 – 31 October 2028). The same proposal may be submitted for either period, taking into account their different duration and financial allocation.
5. STRUCTURE OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The submission and selection of proposals will take place in two stages:
a) First stage of proposal submission (deadline: 31 July 2026): the proposal, submitted by groups of at least three faculty members or researchers of the Scuola, including at least one member affiliated with each Class, must illustrate the theme, its relevance, and the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration. It may also include preliminary indications concerning the programme of activities (lectures, seminars, workshops, public events, etc.) and the Ciampi Fellows to be invited.
The pre-selection of proposals admitted to the second stage will be completed by 31 August 2026.
b) Second stage (deadline: 30 September 2026): the proposal must be supplemented with detailed information on the programme of activities (lectures, seminars, workshops, public events, etc.) and on the Ciampi Fellows to be invited.
6. DEADLINES
- Deadline for submission of proposals: 31 July 2026 (pre-selection of proposals by 31 August 2026)
- Deadline for submission of supplements to selected proposals: 30 September 2026 (final selection of themes by 31 October 2026)
7. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated, in both stages, on the basis of the following criteria:
- relevance of the theme in relation to the major challenges of our time
- scientific quality of the programme
- international dimension
- relevance to the research activities of the Scuola
- level of interdisciplinarity and involvement of SNS research staff
- impact and potential for the Third Mission
8. SUBMISSION PROCEDURE
Proposals submitted from July 20, 2026, onwards must be forwarded exclusively through ElixForms at this link, within the deadline specified in Section 6.
9. COMPETENT BODY FOR SELECTION
Scientific Council of the Institute
10. PUBLICATION
Applications that pass both selection stages will be published in a dedicated section of the institutional website www.istitutociampi.sns.it.
11. FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, please contact the Institute at istituto.ciampi@sns.it before the deadline of 31 July 2026.
12. PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA
The processing of personal data is governed by the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 196 of 30 June 2003 (Personal Data Protection Code) and EU Regulation 2016/679 on the protection of personal data.
The Data Controller for the personal data provided by the data subjects is the Scuola Normale Superiore, a public university institution with registered office at Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, Pisa – 56126, represented by its Director and legal representative pro tempore.
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) may be contacted at dpo@sns.it.