MOST PROMISING RESEARCHER IN ROBOTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Fourth edition of the prize On the occasion of RomeCup 2026 (romecup.org), Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS and Corriere della Sera, in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome and Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, promote the fourth edition of the “Most Promising Researcher in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence” award. The prize is intended for young female and male researchers, PhD candidates and PhD holders engaged in research projects in the fields of robotics and/or artificial intelligence. The award benefits from the collaboration of prestigious universities and research centers.
OBJECTIVE
The award aims to recognize and support the work of young talents engaged in research activities in cutting-edge technological sectors that are crucial for the development of the country, such as robotics and artificial intelligence. The recognition is granted to the individual as an appreciation of their creativity, vision, dedication, perseverance, and ability to contribute through their research work to the development and progress of humanity.
ELIGIBILITY
The award is open exclusively to natural persons: PhD students from all disciplinary fields and/or PhD holders and/or researchers up to the age of 34, who carry out research activities in Italy at public or private centers, organizations, institutes, universities, or other institutions.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, candidates must complete the application form by 11:59 p.m. on March 8, 2026, available at the following link: https://www.romecup.org/research-award/ The following documents must be attached:
• Academic curriculum vitae in PDF format (according to the attached template) • One letter of reference in PDF format
• An academic paper authored or co-authored by the applicant, representing their work most effectively (optional)
• One photograph (maximum size: 2 MB)
APPLICATION FORM
• Personal and contact details
• Description of the research activity in which the applicant is engaged (maximum 5,000 characters) In the description, applicants are asked to address the following points:
(a) relevance to the theme of the award
(b) level of innovation
(c) technology readiness level (TRL)
(d) scientific impact
(e) social impact
(f) economic impact
(g) remaining open challenges
Applicants are also asked to briefly answer the following questions:
• What is your personal contribution to the research activity you are involved in? (maximum 2,000 characters)
• What motivated you to choose a career as a researcher? (maximum 500 characters)
• What motivated you to choose the research field you are currently working in? (maximum 500 characters)
• Can your personal story inspire other young researchers? Why? (maximum 500 characters)
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The jury will assess applications based on the following criteria:
• Relevance of the research to the theme of the award
• Degree of innovation of the research
• Technology readiness level (TRL)
• Scientific, social, and economic impact
• Publications, awards, and patents listed in the CV
• Personal background and story
AWARD
The total prize fund amounts to €20,000.
In addition to the main award category, in 2026 the Cyber Humanities Award – Tullio De Mauro will be introduced. This recognition is dedicated to research exploring the relationship between language, algorithmic infrastructures, knowledge, and ethics. This expansion reflects the interdisciplinary nature of RomeCup and its openness to Digital Humanities as a space of convergence between hard sciences and the humanities.
DEADLINE
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 8, 2026.
JURY
Chair: Paolo Dario, Emeritus Professor, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa