PRIN 2026 HYBRID

Fundamental research projects that bring together expertise from the sciences, technology, the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts.

The PRIN 2026 HYBRID Call, launched by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), supports fundamental research projects that bring together expertise from the sciences, technology, the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts. The aim is to strengthen the national research system by fostering collaboration between universities, research organisations, and AFAM institutions, and by encouraging the development of interdisciplinary approaches to new technologies.

PRIN 2026 HYBRID has a total budget of €56.64 million, earmarked for funding interdisciplinary research projects in the five strategic areas identified in the call for proposals.

ATLAS – Algorithmic Trust for Liberty, Autonomy, and Security

Scientific Leader: Prof. Paolo Benanti

The ATLAS – Algorithmic Trust for Liberty, Autonomy, and Security – project investigates the security of artificial intelligence systems designed to support civic participation and democratic deliberation, known as bridging systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining cybersecurity, political philosophy, sociology, and law, the project aims to develop secure, transparent AI infrastructures that safeguard pluralism and deliberative autonomy. Its objective is to prevent the risks of algorithmic manipulation, polarization, and the erosion of institutional trust. Expected results include tools for identifying democratic vulnerabilities, security assessment protocols, accountability and governance frameworks, and an experimental testbed to evaluate the technical robustness and democratic legitimacy of these systems.

M.A.G.I.A. – Media Authenticity through Grounded and Interpretative AI

Scientific Leader: Prof. Paolo Peverini

The M.A.G.I.A. – Media Authenticity through Grounded and Interpretative AI – project investigates the reliability of visual content in the age of generative artificial intelligence, moving beyond traditional distinctions between authentic and manipulated images. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining multimedia forensics, visual semiotics, affective computing, and agentic AI, the project aims to develop a framework for assessing the contextual truthworthiness of images based on their communicative context, available evidence, and dissemination environment. Its objective is to promote more accurate and transparent interpretations of visual content, addressing the risks of disinformation. Expected results include datasets, annotation resources, computational methodologies, and an interactive demonstrator designed to support journalists, fact-checkers, public institutions, and citizens.

SEACURE – Secure and Resilient Cybersecurity for Underwater and Inaccessible Critical Infrastructures

Scientific Leader: Prof. Paolo Spagnoletti

The SEACURE – Secure and Resilient Cybersecurity for Underwater and Inaccessible Critical Infrastructures – project investigates the cybersecurity of critical underwater and subsea infrastructures, which are strategic assets for national security, digital connectivity, and energy continuity. Within the framework established by Italian Law 9/2026 on underwater security, the project adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining cybersecurity, underwater engineering, robotics, economics, and law to develop models and methodologies for protecting inaccessible critical infrastructures characterized by constrained monitoring and intervention capabilities. Expected results include cyber-physical threat assessment models, sustainable monitoring frameworks, and infrastructure resilience methodologies. The project also aims to strengthen Italy’s scientific and institutional capacity to protect inaccessible cyber-physical infrastructures, while contributing to European resilience and strategic autonomy.