The Human TechnopoleNational Platformshave launched their third call for applications,starting October 1, 2025, inviting researchers to submit proposals to access cutting-edge technologies in the fields of genomics, genome editing, structural biology, optical microscopy, and data analysis. The opening comes at a time of strong growth: since mid-2024, the National Platforms have received a total of293 proposals, anincrease of 36% between the pilot call and the first call, grantingaccess to 184 projects with a success rate of over 60%.

The new call for proposals is part of a development trajectory that is consolidating the Human Technopole National Platforms as a strategic reference infrastructure for the Italian research system, with increasing participation and a growing capacity to respond to demand.

Scientific impact of Human Technopole National Platforms

Since their opening in June 2024, Human Technopole's National Platforms continue to attractoutstanding research projects from the life sciences community in Italy.

Success rates per call for proposals

  • Pilot call(24-PILOT): 124 proposals, 102 approved (success rate 82%)
  • First call (25-ROUND-1): 169 proposals, 82 approved (success rate 49%)

Regional distribution and profile of researchers (25-ROUND-1)

The 25-ROUND-1 call for proposals attracted submissions from across the country, with agood level of participation and comparable success rates across regions, confirming broad and balanced access.

  • North: 130 applications (77% of the total), success rate 48%
  • Center: 23 applications (14% of the total), success rate 48%
  • South: 16 applications (9% of the total), success rate 56%

Although most of the proposals came from institutions in northern Italy,the most significant growth was seen in applications from central and southern Italy, which almost doubled the number of projects submitted, signaling a clear increase in involvement.

The program also continues to attract both established and emerging researchers:32% of proposals were led by junior Principal Investigators (PIs) and 34% of approved projects were awarded to them, confirming the support for the new generation of scientific leaders.

Gender balance and participation of female researchers (25-ROUND-1)

The data from 25-ROUND-1 confirm an overall gender balance in both participation and success rates. In particular,women play an even more significant role among Junior PIs, with higher submission and approval rates:

  • Proposals submitted (all PIs): 51% women | 49% men
  • Approved projects (all PIs): 50% women | 50% men
  • Proposals submitted (Junior PI only): 57% women | 43% men
  • Approved projects (Junior PI only): 61% women | 39% men

Distribution of proposals by platform (25-ROUND-1)

The overall increase in participation is accompanied byconstant interest in all technology platforms, demonstrating the cross-cutting relevance of the services offered.

  • Genomics: 99 proposals, 33 approved
  • Genomic editing and disease models: 8 proposals, 3 approved
  • Data management and analysis: 13 proposals, 12 approved
  • Structural biology: 39 proposals, 25 approved
  • Optical Microscopy: 10 proposals, 9 approved

Distribution by scientific area (25-ROUND-1)

The distribution of proposals by scientific area highlights thediversity of projects supported by theNational Platforms.

  • Cancer: 53
  • Other (human biology, cell biology): 32
  • Human diseases: 17
  • Neurodegenerative diseases: 17
  • Neuromuscular diseases: 12
  • Infectious diseases and pathogen regulation: 10
  • Cardiovascular diseases: 6
  • Genetic diseases: 6
  • Inflammation and inflammatory diseases: 5
  • Plant studies: 4
  • Developmental disorders: 3
  • Developmental studies on animals: 3
  • Population and medical genomics: 1

The complete list of projects approved for access through call 25-ROUND-1 is available at the following link.

Human Technopole's commitment to scientific innovation

Since their launch, Human Technopole's National Platforms have offered open and facilitated access tocutting-edge technologies in thefields of genomics, genome editing, structural biology, optical microscopy, and data analysis. This approachsupports both established and emerging researchers in transforming their ideas into meaningful discoveries, demonstrating the effectiveness of a competitive and transparent access model that generates scientific value. All applications are evaluated by the Independent Permanent Evaluation Committee, ensuringfair and merit-based access.

Through these opportunities, Human Technopole continues to promote scientific excellence, training, and technological development, strengthening thecompetitiveness of the national research ecosystem andcontributing tothe long-term capacity of the Italian life sciences system.

Find out how we are supporting the growth of life sciences in Italy and submit your application here.