The Italy-Kenya cooperation initiative on researcher mobility is now entering its operational phase, following the commitments undertaken by the two Governments earlier this year.
The Joint Declaration between the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the Principal Secretary of Kenya’s State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, signed in Rome on 21 April 2026, provides for the launch of a transnational initiative aimed at facilitating the participation of Kenyan researchers in research activities and programmes hosted by Italian universities and scientific institutions.
The initiative is now moving into the implementation phase, with participating Italian universities and research centres progressively publishing specific calls for applications open to Kenyan citizens interested in undertaking research placements in Italy.
The first call has been launched by the University of Naples Federico II, through its Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology. The opportunity provides for a six-month research placement in Naples, focusing on precision medicine and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches based on RNA and DNA technologies.
The research project includes activities aimed at developing next-generation aptamers for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as RNA-based strategies for targeted therapies. The activities form part of the National Center for Gene Therapy and RNA-based Drugs.
The call is open to Kenyan citizens, with a deadline for applications of 24 September 2026
Further information will be made available as additional Italian research institutions join the initiative and publish new calls for applications. The initiative represents a further step towards strengthening scientific and academic cooperation between Italy and Kenya.
