The Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation (FFC Ricerca) promotes and funds two grant opportunities for early-career researchers in the field of cystic fibrosis:
- Gianni Mastella Starting Grant (GMSG)
- Gianni Mastella Research Fellowship (GMRF)
These initiatives are part of the Foundation’s strategic plan “A Cure for All”, aimed at finding effective therapeutic solutions for every person with cystic fibrosis.
Project selection will be based on scientific merit, alignment with the Foundation’s priorities, and consistency with its mission. Proposals are evaluated through a peer-review process, which the Foundation has always adopted. After an initial administrative and scientific screening by FFC Ricerca’s Scientific Directorate and Scientific Committee, each proposal undergoes in-depth evaluation by 2–3 external reviewers, mainly international. Proposals are then discussed during a plenary meeting of the Scientific Directorate and Committee, where—based on the reviewers’ comments—a final ranking of projects eligible for funding is drawn up.
→ The 2026 call will be announced shortly.
Eligibility
Gianni Mastella Starting Grant (GMSG)
Applicants must be 40 years old or younger, engaged (or planning to engage) in cystic fibrosis research in an Italian laboratory, and not already employed by a research institution. The goal of this grant is to support the scientific independence of researchers who have completed a PhD or hold a medical degree. Candidates must provide certification from a host research institution guaranteeing support for the entire project duration.
Gianni Mastella Research Fellowship (GMRF)
Applicants must be 33 years old or younger, engaged (or planning to engage) in research in an Italian laboratory, and not already employed by a research institution. This fellowship aims to foster the career development of young researchers wishing to work in the cystic fibrosis field. Candidates must provide certification from a host research institution guaranteeing support for the entire project duration
Research Areas
Eligible research projects must address one of the following five areas:
- Therapies to correct the underlying defect
- Personalized therapies
- Bronchopulmonary infection
- Lung inflammation
- Clinical and Epidemiological research
Budget and Duration
- GMSG: €180,000 for a three-year research project. Funding covers salary and research costs, plus expenses for a training period of up to 6 months in a different research center (in Italy or abroad) chosen by the candidate.
- GMRF: €100,000 for a three-year research project. Funding covers salary and research costs, plus expenses for a training period of up to 6 months in a different research center (in Italy or abroad) chosen by the candidate.
Research Facilities
FFC Ricerca strongly encourages applicants to make use of its dedicated Research Facilities, available to the scientific community:
- Primary Cultures Service (SCP)
- Cystic Fibrosis Animal Core Facility (CFaCore)
- Cystic Fibrosis DataBase (CFDB)
For more information and cost estimates regarding SCP and CFaCore, applicants should contact the service managers via email and provide a project abstract. If using these research services, a formal letter of collaboration is not required.
Deadlines and Timeline
For information, please contact: call@fibrosicisticaricerca.it
Gianni Mastella
Both the GMSG and the GMRF are named in honor of Professor Gianni Mastella, a distinguished physician and scientist, and a pioneer of Italian research in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Driven by his vision and commitment to providing treatment opportunities for people with cystic fibrosis, in 1997 he co-founded the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation together with entrepreneurs Vittoriano Faganelli, Matteo Marzotto, Michele Romano, Carlo Delaini, and Giordano Veronesi.
Thanks to the establishment of a national network of researchers and institutions dedicated to studying cystic fibrosis, FFC Ricerca became the first national body to promote and fund scientific studies on the disease, fostering independent research and collaboration across disciplines.
Professor Mastella served as Scientific Director of FFC Ricerca until his passing in February 2021.
“I strongly believed in and was deeply committed to the idea of addressing this disease with greater determination and effectiveness. It was an important choice that sparked new ideas, inspired people, and encouraged many professionals and scientists to dedicate themselves to research. I am proud to have launched this project. At a time when research is truly transforming the landscape of cystic fibrosis, our commitment to supporting it is stronger than ever. A cure for all is the goal we must achieve.”
— Gianni Mastella