Giovanni Pollicino Award 2026: the call dedicated to theses on video games is open

The 2026 call for applications for the Giovanni Pollicino Prizeis now online, an initiative dedicated to promoting academic research on video games within Italian universities and academies of fine arts.

Promoted by IVIPRO with the patronage of IIDEA and various departments of theAlma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, the prize aims to promote the best theses that analyze the video game medium from historical, artistic, educational, social, economic and interdisciplinary perspectives.

A new name for the award

The 2026 edition also marks an important change: the previous Italian Videogame Program Award takes the name of Giovanni Pollicino, in memory of one of the founding members of IVIPRO and supporter of the association's activities.

Who is the call for applications

The award is open to graduates from Italian universities and academies of fine arts. Bachelor's and master's theses and academic diplomas that address video games as an object of study and research are eligible to participate, provided they were created starting from the academic year 2022-2023.

Prize and deadlines

The three selected theses may be published on the IVIPRO website, while the first place will be awarded a cash prize of 1,000 euros. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 2026.

Applications will remain open until July 31, 2026.

To consult the complete announcement and the participation procedures:
Giovanni Pollicino Prize 2026.