As part of its mission to promote innovative, diversified, skills-based learning opportunities, the University of Milan launches this call to support the development of micro-credentials under the 4EU+ MICI (Microcredential Integration) project. Early-career researchers at the University of Milan may apply for mini-grants to support the design and development of collaborative, high-quality educational formats that address green and digital competences, while promoting flexible, inclusive, and skills-based learning pathways across the Alliance. Collaboration with researchers from 4EU+ member universities is encouraged.
Deadline for submitting proposals is 30 September 2026 at 4 pm CEST.
The Call is open to early-career researchers (post-PhD) of the University of Milan who obtained their PhD between 2 and 10 years before July 2027. Extensions may apply in justified cases. Applicants must hold a contract covering the duration of the project until May 2028.
Researchers of the University of Milan holding research grants, research contracts, postdoctoral and research appointments, fellowships, and RTDA positions may participate, as well as RTT, RU, Associate Professors (PA), and Full Professors (PO), subject to the time-related requirements mentioned above. Please refer to the call for applications for the specific eligibility requirements concerning the compatibility between stipend funding and participation eligibility.Collaboration with researchers from 4EU+ member universities is encouraged. Researchers from 4EU+ member universities who participate in the proposal as partners need to submit a letter of intent, signed by the Faculty Dean / Head of Department / Institution, to the University of Milan’s proponent.
The instructions and template of the letter can be fund here.
Proposals must present a comprehensive and coherent concept addressing the following elements:
Projects should deliver ready-to-use micro-credentials that foster flexible learning pathways and innovation in green and/or digital education.
They should include clearly defined competences, methodologies, digital tools, assessment methods, arrangements for recognition within degree programmes, relevant professional profiles, dissemination plan, and long-term development perspectives.
Each micro-credential must carry a workload equivalent to at least 3 ECTS credits.
Delivery should be online (preferably asynchronous) across Bachelor, Master, PhD, and lifelong learning levels.
All learning materials and activities must be offered in English.
Maximum funding per project is €4,000.
Eligible costs include:
Travel and subsistence expenses (e.g., for a working meeting).
Costs of hosting seminars/conferences or workshops (e.g., catering, lodging).
Hiring student assistants.
For detailed information and the published call, please visit the website of the University of Milan here (webpage in Italian)