The SIR Programme (Scientific Independence of young Researchers) is designed to support young researchers at the start of their independent research activity. The Programme is designed for the funding of research projects with high scientific quality developed by independent research teams, under the scientific coordination of a Principal Investigator (PI), either of Italian or non-Italian nationality, resident in or moving to Italy, who has been awarded their PHD (or medical specialty training) up to 6 years prior to the publication of the call for proposals.