The Education Ministry has halted the “Trust Your Stars” research program after a Finance Ministry decision tied to revisions of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Launched in 2022 with €80 million, the program aimed to boost university research through grants to early-career scientists and collaborations. A call in April 2024 drew 1,241 proposals; 145 were approved after a two-month review by a 12-member committee.
The results triggered backlash from academics, who alleged opaque procedures, rushed evaluations and use of artificial intelligence by nonspecialists. In August 2025, 875 scientists wrote to the prime minister criticizing “evaluation on the fly.” By that time, 203 rejected applicants had filed appeals, while researchers contacted the European Public Prosecutor. Critics said appeals were never processed.
The ministry said the project was removed under an EU decision. Officials said no funds were disbursed and allocations will return to the public investment budget, leaving the initiative seen as a lost opportunity.