GATE REI, in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Economics of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and in partnership with 10 Italian universities, is launching the second edition of the GATE REI TALENT AWARD, a prize designed to recognise and promote young talents from across Italy.

This year, applicants are required to submit a paper based on their bachelor’s or master’s thesis¹. The goal of the GATE REI TALENT AWARD is to highlight works that address contemporary social and economic challenges with originality and academic rigour, fostering a deeper understanding of complex phenomena and a focus on real-world impact.

Individuals interested in applying (only individual projects are allowed) are invited to submit a document of max. 15 pages (including tables, charts, and bibliography) based on their thesis. The paper must follow this structure: introduction, theoretical background, methodology, results, and conclusions.

The themes for the second edition are the following:

1. Urban regeneration. This theme may concern thesis projects focused on the analysis of public policies or case studies of urban regeneration (of abandoned buildings, neighbourhoods, etc.). Areas of interest include the analysis of objectives, governance models, and intervention strategies, as well as the description of the practices adopted in implementing the policies or projects examined, and the main results achieved (economic, social, or cultural). The theme may also include territorial regeneration initiatives based on social innovation processes and participatory governance models aimed at involving local communities, institutions, and businesses.
2. Talent attraction and retention. This theme may concern thesis projects focused on attraction and retention practices adopted by companies or public and third-sector organisations. Particular attention may be devoted to Generation Z, employer branding initiatives, career development pathways, and the impact of organisational culture on the engagement of young talents.
3. Organisational purpose. This theme may concern thesis projects analysing companies or public and third-sector organisations that have implemented strategies or practices related to organisational purpose (for example, in terms of environmental sustainability, inclusion, or social engagement). Areas of interest may include the analysis of objectives and governance of the projects examined, the results achieved, and the challenges encountered.
4. Changes in work and wellbeing. This theme may concern thesis projects dedicated to transformations in the world of work (e.g., new contractual forms, hybrid work, introduction of Artificial Intelligence) and their impact on workers’ wellbeing. Areas of interest may include organisational practices adopted to manage change, the impact of these changes on individual and collective wellbeing, or forms of resilience developed at individual, group, or organisational level. The theme may also include work exploring how individuals, companies, and institutions confront crises, uncertainty, and innovation.

Thesis projects may be based on qualitative (e.g., case studies) or quantitative (surveys, secondary data, etc.) research. Submitted documents will be evaluated for analytical depth, quality of insight, and clarity of synthesis. From an editing standpoint, documents must follow these guidelines: MS Word or PDF file, Times New Roman 12, single spacing; 3 cm margins.

Categories and Prizes²

Two sections are available for application:

1. Track A – Bachelor’s degree: eligible applicants are students graduating between July 2025 and May 2026, or who will obtain their degree by 31 July 2026: ‍
   
   • First prize (€1,500) for the best paper demonstrating strong analytical capability, sound methodology, and an innovative contribution to the topic
   • Second prize (€750) awarded to a paper distinguished by originality and depth.‍

2. Track B – Master’s degree: eligible applicants are students graduating between July 2025 and May 2026, or who will obtain their degree by 31 July 2026:‍
   
   • First prize (€2,500) for the best paper demonstrating strong analytical capability, sound methodology, and an innovative contribution to the topic
   • Second prize (€1,250) awarded to a paper distinguished by originality and depth.

How to participate

Reports must be submitted by 3:00 PM on 29 May 2026 to the following email address: info@gaterei.it, specifying in the subject line “Application to GATE REI Call – Track A” or “Track B”. Along with the paper (in Word or PDF), each applicant must attach a copy of their CV (free format) and a motivation letter (max 500 words)³ explaining the reasons for applying and their career plan for the next two years.

For questions or information, please write to info@gaterei.it

Selection process

The selection will be carried out by a committee composed of members of the Scientific Committee and the GATE REI board, as well as representatives from the business sector. The selection will take place in two phases:

1. First phase: desk evaluation of the papers based on the following criteria:

• Completeness and accuracy of the paper as a whole (theoretical section, bibliography, methodology, conclusions)
  
  • Analytical skills
    
    • Synthesis ability
      
      • Accuracy of analysis and comments
        
        • Choice of sources and use of collected information
          
          • Lexical and grammatical quality
            
            • Editi

The first selection will produce a shortlist of finalists for each section.

2. Second phase: Finalists will be invited to present their projects in an in-person meeting, whose date and location will be communicated after the first phase (indicatively before 30 June 2026). To facilitate participation, a financial contribution will be provided to cover transport and logistical costs. The selection will be based on a 15–20 minute presentation/pitch supported by a PowerPoint (or similar) presentation.

GATE REI manages collaborative spaces dedicated to innovation, culture and creativity, education, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion. Founded on the idea of creating connections between research, innovation, and territories, GATE REI stands out for its ability to develop solutions based on concrete data and strategic vision. The company collaborates with public institutions, businesses, and academic institutions to promote projects that generate positive and sustainable impact.

www.gaterei.it

The Scientific Committee is composed of:

Edoardo della Torre, University of Milan

Fabrizio Montanari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia – coordinator

Filippo Giordano, LUMSA University

Filomena Buonocore, University of Naples Parthenope

Franca Cantoni, Università Cattolica

Ilaria Mariotti, Politecnico di Milano

Maria Cristina Bonti, University of Pisa

Maria Laura Frigotto, University of Trento

Pamela Palmi, University of Salento

Raimondo Ingrassia, University of Palermo

Teresina Torre, University of Genoa

------------------

^{[1] Without restrictions regarding degree class or field of study}

^{[2] Prizes are intended before statutory tax deductions}

^{[3] Each file must be named as Surname-Name-Type of document.word or .pdf (for example: Rossi-Mario-Paper.pdf). Any folder containing additional attachments relevant for evaluation must be named with the candidate’s Surname and Name.}