Educational Offer

Coordinator: Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD programme offers a multidisciplinary environment spanning fundamental research, advanced technologies, and clinical applications developed with leading healthcare institutions. PhD candidates benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced facilities, and expert faculty, exploring innovative pharmacological approaches ranging from natural products to biotechnology.

International dimension

The PhD programme, its Academic Board, and the NEUROFARBA Department are part of an extensive international research network, fostering active preclinical and clinical collaborations. PhD candidates have many opportunities to undertake their mandatory research period abroad, build long-term international collaborations, and develop professional networks for their future careers.

Approach and method

The programme has a strong experimental focus, encompassing both laboratory-based and clinical research. PhD candidates are trained to combine methodological rigour, advanced technologies, and translational approaches to address relevant questions in biomedical and pharmacological research.

Impact and career prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in Italy and abroad in universities, research institutions, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, biotechnology companies, and companies developing medicines, medical devices, and nutraceuticals. Further opportunities are available in public and private institutions and regulatory bodies involved in the development, assessment, and regulation of therapeutic interventions.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You are motivated to pursue hands-on research and aspire to play an active role in the development, evaluation, and optimisation of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Coordinator: Gianni Virgili

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD programme enables you to get to the heart of neuroscientific research, working in state-of-the-art laboratories and in close collaboration with researchers active on the international stage. It stands out for its balance of scientific excellence, personalised support and tangible opportunities for development, offering a solid and truly competitive educational experience.

International dimension

You will become part of a dynamic international network: you will have the opportunity to undertake research placements abroad, take part in collaborations with centres of excellence and develop joint supervision projects. Regular interaction with international researchers and participation in international conferences will enhance your profile and broaden your career prospects.

Approach and method

The PhD programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates basic, clinical and cognitive neuroscience. Students work on innovative projects through experimental activities, advanced analysis and practical laboratory training, developing independence, critical thinking and transferable skills that are essential for research and beyond.

Impact and career prospects

This programme opens up career opportunities in academia and international research, as well as in the pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare sectors. The skills acquired – from data analysis to the management of complex projects – are also in high demand in emerging sectors such as data science and technological innovation..

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You want to play an active part in advancing our understanding of the brain, work in a stimulating international environment and build a solid career in research or in highly innovative fields.

Coordinator: Romina Nassini

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD programme stands out for its integration of basic and clinical research with social impact, offering a complete translational pathway from the laboratory to the patient. Its multidisciplinary approach, use of advanced technologies (including omics and AI), and focus on personalized care and health protection make it distinctive.

International dimension

The programme has a strong international dimension, supported by collaborations with universities and research centers abroad, mobility program, and visiting periods. Jointly supervised projects and participation in international networks and consortia are encouraged, helping candidates develop global skills and gain experience in highly competitive research environments.

Approach and method

The programme takes an interdisciplinary, translational approach that brings together basic, clinical, and applied research. It combines laboratory work (including molecular biology and omics), computational analysis, and clinical studies, with a strong focus on innovation and the practical application of results. Training covers experimental design, critical analysis, and the development of practical solutions to health challenges.

Impact and career prospects

The qualification opens opportunities in academia and biomedical research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, healthcare and regulatory institutions, and public and private organizations. Translational, digital, and clinical skills support careers in R&D, clinical trials, health technology assessment, and healthcare innovation.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You want to combine scientific research and innovation with a meaningful impact on health, while developing personally and professionally in a stimulating, multidisciplinary environment. The programme values independence, critical thinking, and collaboration, and offers access to advanced technologies and opportunities in Italy and abroad.

Coordinator: Niccolò Taddei

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD course has a strong multidisciplinary focus highlighting the interactions between biological-biotechnological and medical disciplines. It is divided into 8 curricula: human morphology and morphogenesis; functional biology of biomolecules and biosystems; physiological and nutritional sciences; experimental pathology; endocrinological, molecular, and regenerative biotechnologies; biomedical sciences of developmental age; gender medicine; single-cell multi-omic technologies in biomedicine.

International dimension

The international value of the course arises from a significant number of scientific collaborations established by professors linked to the individual Curricula with foreign institutions and from the presence in the Faculty of professors who are well-known scientists in the international scientific community. During the three years of the course, staying at a foreign institution for at least 3 months is required.

Approach and Method

The research activity fits into a high-specialization perspective aimed at interdisciplinarity. A path of innovation has been encouraged, related both to basic and applied laboratory technologies, as well as clinical studies. For this purpose, PhD students have been provided, after proper training, with sophisticated equipment for analyses at multiple levels of complexity.

Impact and career prospects

PhDs in Biomedical Sciences have highly specialized interdisciplinary skills that open up a lot of job opportunities. The main prospects include: academia and public/private research institutions; pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics industries; healthcare institutions and public administration; scientific publishing and communication; technology transfer and intellectual property management; data analysis and bioinformatics; business consulting.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You feel that biomedical research carried out at an interdisciplinary level, using the most advanced and modern methodologies and tools, is really your passion.

Coordinator: Gian Maria Rossolini

Why choose this PhD programme?

Why supports the training of researchers through interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research projects. It is structured to provide theoretical and applied training on innovation and the frontiers of research. It features specialized seminars led by experts—focusing particularly on the latest developments in pathophysiology and diagnostic-therapeutic approaches—as well as opportunities for internships at distinguished Italian and international research institutions.

International dimension

This PhD programme offers the opportunity to undertake periods of mobility abroad (with a minimum requirement of three months) and to participate in international research and cooperation projects. It also enables candidates to present findings of their research at international conferences and offers opportunities for co-supervision and collaboration with outstanding international research centers, leveraging the network of contacts provided by the international members of the Faculty Board.

Approach and methodology

Translational research—employing interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches—leverages the expertise of mentors and their national and international collaborations. Clinical research is conducted in the field, while applied research takes place in laboratories and simulation environments. Research projects address highly topical areas, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques, the use of AI, and global health initiatives based on the One Health approach.

Impact and career prospects

By acquiring skills in fields characterized by rapid technological and cultural evolution, graduates gain access to diverse career paths. These include academia, public and private research institutions (e.g., ISS, IRCCS, and other clinical centers), national and international agencies (e.g., AIFA, WHO, ECDC), and industry (e.g., pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices). The one-year employment rate for graduates of this programme exceeds 90%.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You have a scientific interest in clinical sciences and want to receive high-level training.

Coordinator: Duccio Cavalieri

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme comprises three fields of specialisation: Plant Biology and Biotechnology; Ecology and Ethology; Genetics and Evolution. This wide range of specialisations enables PhD students to collaborate with academic staff and fellow PhD students on an integrated area of research – which, in many prestigious institutions, falls under a single thematic PhD programme – providing a unique perspective on the study of biological diversity and essential skills for its conservation and enhancement.

International dimension

The PhD programme offers opportunities for work placements at Italian and international research institutions and at public sector organisations, where students can refine and apply the methodologies and skills acquired during the research phase.

Approach and Method

The PhD programme provides cutting-edge tools, enabling students to conduct independent research in the disciplines of animal and plant biology, physiology, ecology, genomics, genetics, biostatistics and bioinformatics and, depending on the specific choices made by PhD students, in more specialised fields such as neuroscience, behavioural biology, ethology, and molecular, environmental, agro-industrial, pharmaceutical and cultural heritage conservation.

Impact and career prospects

The PhD programme trains researchers and professionals with unique expertise in the fields of ecology, conservation, molecular biology, plant and animal biotechnology, microbiology, genomics and bioinformatics. PhD graduates find employment in both the research sector and higher education, as well as in regulatory bodies responsible for environmental conservation and management, and in the biotechnology and green technology industries.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You want to help build a better world.

Coordinator: Sandro Conticelli

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme in Earth and Planetary Sciences offers young graduates with a Master’s degree in STEM subjects a unique opportunity to develop, through a programme of excellence with an international scope, the methodological and scientific skills required to understand the processes underlying the evolution of the Earth and other planetary and minor bodies in the inner Solar System, with implications for applications in engineering and materials science.

International dimension

The PhD programme, drawing on a supervisory board comprising leading international and Italian academics, offers young graduates an innovative, international educational programme with the opportunity for joint supervision agreement with experts from national (EPR) and foreign scientific institutions, promoting international mobility. This unique experience provides a definite added value for entering the world of work in industry and research.

Approach and Method

The PhD programme offers a transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary research programme based on the continuous comparison between the observation of natural phenomena through laboratory experimentation and quantitative analytical characterisation, both chemical and geophysical. This holistic approach enables an integrated study of both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the processes involved in the evolution of the Earth system and of the rocky planets neighbouring our own.

Impact and career prospects

The experience acquired in a stimulating environment of high international scientific standing enables the development of unique skills, which – not least through ongoing interaction with doctoral colleagues working in a wide variety of disciplines – provide a unique experience that opens up career opportunities both in academia and in research at organisations such as the CNR, INGV, OGS, ASI, INAF, etc., as well as in industry and local authorities.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You are interested in pursuing a top-class interdisciplinary scientific education.

Coordinator: Francesca Intonti

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme in Physics and Astronomy is a high-profile generalist course spanning from Particle Physics to Biophysics, from Cosmology to Condensed Matter Physics, and from Quantum Technologies to Complex Systems. It maintains a strong interplay between theory and experiment, driven by close collaboration between the Department of Physics and Astronomy and nearby research centers including the CNR, INFN, LENS, the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory, and the Galileo Galilei Institute (GGI).

International dimension

The curriculum includes a mandatory research period abroad of at least 3 months (extendable up to 12 months), with a 50% increase in the grant, which can be applied toward obtaining the "Doctor Europaeus" title. The Academic Board's high scientific profile guarantees collaborations with major international laboratories (CERN, ESO, ESA) as well as leading research centers and universities, both within Europe and worldwide. The PhD programme actively promotes joint supervision of theses.

Approach and Method

The PhD programme offers flexible and complementary paths, tailored to the research interests of each PhD candidate. Students can follow purely theoretical tracks or take advantage of state-of-the-art laboratories for both fundamental and applied research. Across all areas, the programme actively promotes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating diverse skills and expertise to tackle the most complex scientific challenges.

Impact and career prospects

The programme trains professionals with a broad scientific background and high-level qualifications across all fields of physics. The goal is to provide candidates with the preparation and independence required by top national and international research institutions. This solid training also ensures excellent employability, enabling graduates to seamlessly integrate into a diverse job market ranging from small businesses to major international corporations.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You want to conduct research in a unique ecosystem, collaborating with world-class institutions (CNR, INFN, LENS, Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory, GGI) within an international and interdisciplinary environment in a historic city like Florence.

Coordinator: Diederik Wiersma

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD programme combines LENS’s scientific excellence with an international, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment. Here, research on light brings together physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science, with access to advanced laboratory facilities. The community is also vibrant and inclusive: PhD students actively contribute to organising initiatives and events within the programme.

International dimension

The programme is built on a collaboration between LENS, the University of Florence, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and Imperial College London, and offers opportunities for research visits at partner laboratories and other research centres around the world. The working environment is international on a daily basis, with continuous exchanges, seminars, collaborations, and a strong focus on mobility.

Approach and Method

Research is strongly interdisciplinary and combines theory, experimentation, and applications. At LENS, researchers work in the laboratory with advanced optical and laser technologies, as well as on modelling, materials, quantum systems, biophotonics, and integrated photonics. The training programme is modular, with specialised courses and hands-on activities designed to help students develop a broad scientific profile.

Impact and career prospects

The PhD opens up career opportunities in academia and research centres, as well as in high-tech companies working in optics, sensors, imaging, advanced materials, telecommunications, and quantum technologies. LENS brings together universities, research institutions, European research infrastructures, and technology transfer activities, creating an environment in which PhD graduates develop a versatile profile that is highly valuable both within and beyond academia.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You want to explore how light can unlock new knowledge and technologies while working in an international, interdisciplinary, and welcoming community.

Coordinator: Roberta Pierattelli

Why choose this PhD programme?

Structural biology is the key to innovation in biotechnology, food technology, and biomedical applications. Understanding the structure of biomolecules enables the design of effective, targeted, and sustainable solutions with a tangible impact on health and industry. e programme is based at CERM, a core facility of the European integrated structural biology infrastructure INSTRUCT, equipped with world-class instrumentation and expertise in the fields of structural biology and NMR spectroscopy.

International dimension

Thanks to the faculty’s active participation in many European projects, PhD candidates work in a stimulating environment, interacting with world-renowned researchers and building collaborations crucial for their scientific careers. The programme includes a research period of at least three months in top-tier international laboratories. Educational activities are conducted in English, and the final exam is organized in collaboration with faculty from the Universities of Frankfurt and Utrecht.

Approach and Method

The programme provides high-quality, multidisciplinary training through an integrated curriculum encompassing chemistry, biology, biophysics, medicine, and computer science. These diverse fields are essential for tackling current scientific challenges in structural biology research, ranging from fundamental questions to practical applications. Transnational cooperation and the integration of complementary techniques are fundamental to advancing scientific research.

Impact and career prospects

Primary career outcomes include academic paths with opportunities in top-tier international research laboratories, as well as roles within the most advanced biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Further opportunities include research and managerial positions in both public and private institutions. Overall, the programme’s learning objectives align directly with the high-level professional profiles sought by the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You are seeking cutting-edge, interdisciplinary training to launch an academic or industrial career at the forefront of life sciences research.

Coordinator: Daniele Vignoli

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD stands out for its integrated life-course perspective, combining three distinct but complementary curricula: socio-demographic (life transitions and inequalities), biomedical (ageing processes and health), and psychological (development and adaptation). It offers a unique interdisciplinary training rarely matched by other programs.

International dimension

The programme offers a strong international dimension, including research stays abroad (3–6 months), collaborations with leading universities, and participation in international schools. Students are embedded in a broad scientific network, with opportunities for mobility, joint supervision, and engagement in global research communities.

Approach and Method

Research is structured around an interdisciplinary and evidence-based approach. The socio-demographic curriculum uses quantitative and qualitative methods to study family, work, and migration; the biomedical focuses on biological ageing and diseases; the psychological analyses life-span development and adaptive processes.

Impact and career prospects

Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, research institutions, healthcare systems, public policy, and private sectors. Their interdisciplinary profile enables them to address major societal challenges—such as ageing, health, and inequality—through data-driven and innovative approaches.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

you want to understand how biological, psychological, and social processes interact across the life course and to develop advanced skills to study complex societal challenges.

Coordinator: Alessandra Sestini

Why choose this PhD programme?

Choosing this PhD programme means being able to rely on the expertise and support of a diverse academic staff, drawn from three departments across two universities, which ensures a rich and interdisciplinary approach. The programme also involves close integration into departmental activities, with constant encouragement to participate actively in conferences, workshops and seminars. These elements are complemented by numerous opportunities for internationalisation, including a research placement abroad lasting at least three months, a bilingual website, the PhD Day held in English, and the opportunity to be awarded the title of Doctor Europaeus.

International dimension

The Coordinator encourages the establishment of joint supervision agreements at the start of the three-year programme, and this process is made easier thanks to the language skills and support of the administrative staff dedicated to the PhD programme. Long-term research stays and visiting scholarships abroad are encouraged by all members of the Supervisory Board, and the associated administrative procedures are simplified and expedited by the use of dedicated software.

Approach and Method

Research in ‘Mathematics’ always involves a theoretical and demonstrative component and may include numerical simulations; research in ‘Computer Science’ involves a theoretical and algorithmic component, alongside the development and validation of implementations; finally, research in “Statistics” primarily involves a methodological component, accompanied in some cases by a theoretical and demonstrative component. In many cases, each programme of study considers specific and/or interdisciplinary applications of the research carried out.

Impact and career prospects

The main career paths lie in academia or in public or private research organisations, with solid and viable alternatives in the education sector and in industry. Almost all those who have obtained the qualification state that they are in a job for which the doctoral programme was essential or, at any rate, very useful.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You want to learn how to carry out independent and rigorous research, whilst benefiting from ongoing and stimulating supervision, designed to facilitate your swift and active integration into the international research community within your field

Coordinator: Anna Maria Papini

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme in Chemical Sciences in Florence stands out for its combination of a broad range of expertise, first-class research facilities and a strong interdisciplinary focus. It offers not only a high level of specialisation, but also an environment in which chemistry, materials, biomolecules, industrial applications and cultural heritage truly interact, producing well-rounded and competitive researchers.

International dimension

The programme offers opportunities for international mobility for research periods and traineeships, including through Erasmus+, joint supervision agreements with foreign universities and dual supervision, as well as visits by and seminars led by foreign academics. Internationalisation is also supported financially, with an increase in the grant for stays abroad and a dedicated budget for each PhD student.

Approach and Method

The PhD programme in Chemical Sciences is structured in an integrated and multidisciplinary approach: it combines a solid theoretical grounding, intensive experimental laboratory work and a focus on applications in industry, materials science, biomolecules and cultural heritage. The programme trains researchers capable of moving between fundamental and applied approaches, integrating different methods, techniques and skills.

Impact and career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Chemical Sciences find career opportunities in a variety of fields: academia (university research and teaching), industry (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, materials, energy and cosmetics), public institutions and research centres, as well as roles in quality control, regulatory affairs, consultancy and innovation. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme also opens up career paths in project management, technology transfer and business.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You wish to develop into a well-rounded researcher, capable of integrating theory and laboratory work, operating in interdisciplinary and international contexts, and applying chemistry to real-world challenges – from energy and advanced materials to health and cultural heritage – whilst working on engineered molecules, ranging from the smallest to complex biomolecules such as peptides and proteins.

Coordinatore: Francesco Capone

Why Choose This PhD Program?
DELoS is the only PhD programme in Italy with an integrated focus on economic development and local systems. It stands out from comparable programs for its interdisciplinary and applied orientation, with a strong emphasis on empirical analysis. Internationally benchmarked, DELoS is fully aligned with global academic standards while offering a distinctive profile: a “hybrid” programme that combines disciplinary specialization with an integrated approach to complex development challenges.

International Dimension
The topics addressed by DELoS have a strong international relevance. For this reason, the programme actively promotes international mobility, including mandatory research stays abroad or at international organizations for at least three months. DELoS has formal agreements with universities, research centers, and global institutions, often leading to joint supervision arrangements for doctoral dissertations. Participation in international conferences and summer schools is also strongly encouraged. PhD scholarships are increased by 50% during approved periods of mobility abroad.

Approach and methodology
DELoS focuses on the analysis of complex socio-economic systems at different levels: micro, meso, and macro. Methodologically, the programme relies on applied research tools, both quantitative and qualitative, and draws on economics, political science, statistics, econometrics, and management. Rather than simply placing disciplines side by side, DELoS integrates them into a coherent analytical framework.

Career Impact and Opportunities
DELoS trains highly qualified professionals with advanced skills in research, consultancy, and higher education in economics, with a particular focus on developing countries, local and regional development, and the management and growth of firms and business networks. Graduates pursue careers in universities and research centers, international organizations, governmental and non-governmental institutions, and public and private companies.

Choose This PhD If…

you are passionate about inequality, sustainability, local development, and the global fight against poverty.

Coordinator: Simone Torricelli

Why choose this PhD programme?

Aligned with the European Union’s key priorities—digitalisation and innovation, the green transition, and social inclusion—the PhD Programme in Legal Sciences offers advanced, high-quality academic training.

While recognising the distinctive traditions, methods, and autonomy of the different fields of law represented in its curricula, the programme equips doctoral researchers with strong methodological foundations, broad knowledge across legal disciplines, specialised expertise, and a genuinely international outlook.

International dimension

The extensive international network developed by the members of the Doctoral Board enables doctoral researchers to establish links with leading institutions abroad from the earliest stages of their studies and to undertake research and training periods overseas. Doctoral researchers may also pursue joint supervision arrangements with partner universities abroad, leading to the award of a double doctoral degree.

The programme is further enriched by visiting professors hosted by the Department. 

Approach and methodology

The three-year programme is designed to develop advanced disciplinary and methodological expertise. Research focuses primarily on legal studies, while maintaining a strong commitment to international and comparative perspectives and encouraging interdisciplinary engagement with the broader social sciences.

This approach is further supported by the programme’s participation in the University of Florence Doctoral School of Social Sciences.

Impact and career prospects

The programme prepares graduates for academic careers and research positions in Italy and abroad. It also develops advanced legal and analytical skills that are highly valuable for senior roles in national and international public institutions, private-sector organisations, and businesses operating in Italy and worldwide.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You are passionate about law and want to make it the foundation of your future.

Coordinator: Tiziano Distefano

Why Choose This PhD Program?
S3W stands out for its transdisciplinary nature, going beyond traditional training in economics to encompass fields such as ecological and institutional economics, economic geography, ethical finance, and sustainable accounting. It brings together diverse backgrounds, combining rigorous academic research with strong practical application. Through cross-disciplinary courses, we train experts capable of succeeding in academia, public institutions and sustainability-oriented companies.

International Dimension
The S3W PhD programme boasts well-established global collaborations that facilitate visiting periods and joint research. We are currently enhancing our educational offerings by working to launch double-degree programs with prestigious universities in the USA, Latin America, and China. These opportunities provide doctoral candidates with exceptional mobility and access to a global network, both of which are essential for a high-level academic or professional career.

Approach and methodology
Research within the S3W PhD programme adopts a strongly interdisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical rigour with applied analysis. The programme is enriched by internships with companies, public institutions, firms and banks, enabling the testing of methodologies in real-world settings. Active participation in national and international conferences is an integral part of the approach, ensuring continuous engagement with both the scientific community and the professional world.

Career Impact and Opportunities
The programme trains highly qualified professionals capable of analyzing and managing complex processes of economic, social, and environmental transformation. The skills developed during the doctoral programme are therefore highly valuable in academia, public administration, national and international institutions, and third-sector organizations dedicated to social innovation and sustainable development.

Choose This PhD If…
You want to go beyond the boundaries of mainstream economics and seek concrete advanced tools to understand the complexities of the ecological transition. This is the ideal path if you are looking for a stimulating environment where plural economic approacches meets business and institutional practice, and if you believe that integrating different disciplines is the key to generating a real, lasting impact on society and the biosphere.

Coordinator: Fabrizio F. V. Arrigoni

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme focuses its research on architectural design, history, surveying, restoration, structural consolidation, and the stewardship of architectural and landscape heritage. The cultural and artistic legacy of Florence and its School of Architecture defines the programme’s unique identity, shaped by a deep and generative dialogue between the historic and the contemporary, between inherited conditions and necessary transformation.

International dimension

Doctoral candidates undertake a compulsory research and training period abroad (minimum six months) at international research centers, academic institutions, archives, or libraries. The curriculum is enriched by seminars, lectures, and workshops led by visiting international scholars, engaging with emerging methodologies and global research themes. Joint PhD agreements are also active with non-European universities.

Approach and methodology

Teaching and research are built around interdisciplinary collaboration across the diverse fields constituting the program. Doctoral candidates have access to dedicated workspaces and specialized laboratories for testing and experimental research, including: Materials and Structures Testing Laboratory, Architectural Surveying Laboratory, Restoration Laboratory, Model-Making Laboratory, Architectural Drawing and Virtual Realities Laboratory.

Impact and career prospects

The programme aims to develop accomplished researchers and professionals capable of advancing and sharing integrated knowledge across related disciplines. Graduates are equipped to collaborate — combining strategic vision with practical execution — with universities, public bodies, research centers, and private enterprise.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You love architecture (Gio Ponti, 1957).

Coordinator: Elena Bresci

Why choose this PhD programme?

GeSoRAFA provides cultural and scientific expertise to facilitate, improve, plan, and manage the sustainability (both environmental and socioeconomic) of agricultural, forestry, and food systems, understood as complex socio-ecological systems that interact with productive, economic, and political structures.

International dimension

GeSoRAFA has ongoing collaborations with some of the most prominent universities and research institutions in Europe and beyond; it promotes the completion of doctoral dissertations under joint supervision with faculty members from foreign universities and the award of the Doctor Europaeus degree, based on specific collaboration agreements signed between the University of Florence and the foreign universities where the research is conducted; a stay abroad of at least three months is mandatory.

Approach and methodology

GeSoRAFA aims to develop advanced professional expertise, accompanied by the acquisition of full autonomy in conducting interdisciplinary and highly innovative research, gained through work in laboratories affiliated with the DAGRI department and experimental activities in a wide range of study settings (farms, forests, experimental watersheds).

Impact and career prospects

They include positions at universities or research and training institutions (national and international) as well as organizations for the protection and conservation of the environment and agri-food production, private agricultural, food, and forestry companies (involved in both primary production and processing), freelance work, and international institutions. The latest survey on career outcomes shows that more than 85% of graduates are employed within one year of earning their degree.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You want to study and improve the environmental and socioeconomic resilience of agricultural, forestry, and food systems, at both the local and global levels. Analyzing these systems through the lens of social-ecological systems will allow you to have a real impact on productive, economic, and political structures.

Coordinator: Stefano Ricci

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme offers a unique blend of cutting-edge research and relations with leading local companies. It goes beyond the limitations of vertical specialization through a strong interdisciplinary approach, reflected in curricula that span the entire field of the Information Engineering. A student-centered environment ensures direct interaction with world-renowned mentors, while a mandatory research period at international centers paves the way for a global career.

International dimension

The PhD programme ensures a strong global outlook through mandatory research periods abroad, supported by an increased scholarship. Opportunities include joint-supervision, dual degree programs and the "Doctor Europaeus". Engagement with the international community—through publications and conferences—participation in international projects, and a rich seminar programme led by visiting professors make this path a springboard for a global career.

Approach and methodology

Students experience a hybrid ecosystem that join theoretical rigor with practical application. The approach is highly interdisciplinary, with various experts collaborating on complex projects within a multicultural environment. Students attend both the numerous laboratories—the department's beating heart—and industrial settings; furthermore, they attend courses and seminars led by experts and visiting professors, and participate in disseminating their research through articles and conferences.

Impact and career prospects

The PhD programme boasts a 100% employment rate. Many PhD graduates (approximately 50%)—a proof of the quality of the training received—continue their research within academia. There is also an unmatched demand from large and small national and international companies (15–20%) to hire these graduates, offering them a wide range of career choices. The work undertaken during the PhD programme often naturally leads to the creation of spin-offs or self-employment opportunities.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You are looking for an ecosystem of excellence tailored to students, where theoretical research translates into real-world impact through direct links with in

Coordinator: Lapo Governi

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD in Industrial Engineering at DIEF combines cutting-edge research with strong industry ties, making it an ideal professional launchpad. Thanks to international collaborations, PhD candidates work in an environment of excellence where scientific theory meets practical application. Choosing DIEF means investing in a path that transforms academic expertise into tangible results, both in the industrial sector and within the global academic landscape.

International dimension

Internationalization is at the core of PhD program. It offers extra-EU mobility grants, access to global research networks (such as Horizon Europe) and visiting programs for international experts. DIEF  supports international co-tutelle agreements, allowing candidates to earn joint degrees with foreign universities. This ecosystem, combined with seminars and Summer Schools, guarantees constant engagement with the global scientific community, which is essential for a high-level career.

Approach and methodology

PhD research integrates theory, laboratory work, and practical applications. Divided into three curricula, the doctoral programme fosters interdisciplinarity. Mathematical and engineering models are validated through advanced laboratory infrastructures. Research originates from concrete industrial challenges, combining scientific rigor with technological impact. This approach trains researchers capable of operating at high levels within both academia and industrial world.

Impact and career prospects

DIEF PhD graduates find excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry. Thanks to their theoretical and laboratory training, they become key figures such as R&D Managers, design/management experts, or technological leaders. Many continue their careers in research institutions, launch spin-offs, or work in high-tech companies. 100% of our graduates are currently employed in the industrial or academic world, demonstrating the extremely high strategic value of this program.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You want to stop simply observing technological progress and become someone who can influence it, combining the rigor of academic research with the concrete reality of industrial challenges.

Coordinator: Luca Solari

Why choose this PhD programme?

The International PhD Programme in Civil and Environmental Engineering (InDICEE) is offered jointly by the Universities of Florence and Pisa and stands out for its strong international vocation. Delivered entirely in English, the programme combines research activities, training courses and the development of transferable skills, fostering close collaboration between leading Italian and international academic institutions and the business sector.

International dimension

InDICEE was established in 2002 as an International Joint PhD Programme with Technische Universität Braunschweig (Germany). Since then, it has developed a number of international agreements with several universities abroad, including the University of Galway (Ireland) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain). PhD candidates undertake a research period abroad of at least nine months and are awarded a double PhD degree in collaboration with a partner university.

Approach and Method

Research activities are typically interdisciplinary and aim to train researchers capable of addressing complex challenges and developing innovative methodologies and technical solutions in the fields of architectural, structural, infrastructure and geotechnical engineering, as well as in response to the growing environmental challenges related to land management and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Impact and career prospects

The programme provides a pathway to a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors, focusing on development, design, research and innovation in civil and environmental engineering. These include public research institutions and universities in Italy and abroad; research and development in the private sector; public administrations; private-law entities and organisations; international cooperation, research and development organisations and engineering firms.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You wish to explore cutting-edge topics in Civil and Environmental Engineering, focusing on the sustainability of the built environment and the ecological transition, the development of innovative materials, safety, risk prevention and mitigation. You are looking for an international research environment that fosters innovation and provides stimulating opportunities for discussion and collaboration with PhD candidates and academic staff from different institutions in Italy and abroad.

Coordinator: Carlo Viti

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD programme stands out for integrating different disciplines in the study of agro-environmental systems, enabling a systemic approach to complex issues such as sustainability, food security and environmental protection. It combines sound methodological training, flexibility and mandatory international mobility with strong local engagement and global relevance.

International dimension

Through the activities of the Department’s academic staff and researchers, the PhD programme contributes to organising national and international conferences, workshops and seminars. It strongly promotes international research mobility at institutions and research centres in both EU and non-EU countries, with a mandatory period abroad of at least three months.

Approach and methodology

Through integrated and multidisciplinary research, the programme investigates the factors determining the quantity, quality and safety of agricultural production and environmental protection. It addresses soil, microorganisms, climate, plants, animals and biodiversity, with a focus on sustainability, ecosystem services and the ecological and functional roles of green spaces.

Impact and career prospects

Career opportunities span the agricultural, food and environmental sectors in academia, research and industry. Graduates may work in public or private research, university teaching, agri-food and biotechnology companies, professional consultancy and public administration. They may also hold managerial roles in farms, forestry and livestock enterprises, parks and protected areas.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You want to cultivate knowledge to care for the future.

Coordinator: Salvatore Moricca

Why choose this PhD programme?

Because it is a highly innovative PhD programme that applies cutting-edge knowledge to agricultural, forestry, agri-food and agro-industrial systems. The programme provides PhD graduates with expertise in biotechnology, digital technologies, sensor technology, robotics, drone-based remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML), in order to support and strengthen the competitiveness of the Italian agri-food sector on a global scale.

International dimension

There are numerous opportunities for internationalisation. Mobility abroad comes in many forms, such as conferences, workshops and placements, and is an essential element of the PhD programme. International collaborations between supervisors and members of the Programme Committee (both Italian and foreign) and prestigious overseas institutions facilitate extensive mobility for PhD students and academic staff, both incoming and outgoing, significantly improving the quality of the programme.

Approach and Method

The research activity is characterised by its wide range of topics and is both theoretical and applied in nature, with a strong inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary focus. Taking place in a variety of operational contexts, from the field and forest to the laboratory and agro-industry, it integrates state-of-the-art approaches and technologies with the aim of generating innovative knowledge and high-impact solutions.

Impact and career prospects

Potential career opportunities include roles in research, public administration and education, and in agricultural, livestock and nursery businesses. Other positions are available in olive oil mills, wineries, processing, packaging and bottling companies, and chemical, phytosanitary, microbiological and sensory analysis laboratories. Further opportunities exist in agri-food logistics, supply chain management, large-scale retail, exports, technical consultancy, technology transfer and innovation.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You are interested in agriculture, forestry and the environment, and you want to apply innovative technologies to develop sustainable, efficient and low-impact production systems.

Coordinator: Stefano Berretti

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD stands out for its strong multidisciplinary approach, integrating AI and advanced computer science with engineering and real-world applications. It combines theory and practice, covers a broad range of cutting-edge fields, and emphasizes societal impact and interdisciplinarity, offering a more holistic and application-driven training than many similar programs.

International dimension

The programme offers a strong international dimension through the qualification of the PhD committee that also includes international experts, exposure to international faculty, and access to global research networks. Students undertake mobility periods abroad of at least 6 months, benefit from international research network of the PhD supervisors, and engage in joint supervision or visiting research experiences. Co-supervision and joint title with abroad Universities is also possible.

Approach and method

The programme adopts an interdisciplinary and integrated approach, combining theoretical foundations with applied research and experimental validation. Activities are structured around advanced coursework, collaborative projects, and laboratory work, fostering interaction across different fields of computer science and engineering, with strong links to real-world applications and industry.

Impact and career prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in academia as researchers or professors, as well as in high-tech industries, research centers, and public institutions. The program’s multidisciplinary training prepares them for roles in AI, data science, and software engineering, as well as innovation-driven positions and entrepreneurial ventures.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

you aim to develop AI and advanced computing solutions, work at the intersection of disciplines, and apply research to real-world challenges while building a strong academic or industry career.

Coordinator: Paola Gallo

Why choose this PhD programme?

It is an advanced training programme characterised by a strongly innovative, international and cross-sectoral approach, distinguished by its trans-scalar and interdisciplinary methodology, which aims to organically integrate the fields of spatial planning, landscape architecture, architectural technology and design. This methodology is designed to address environmental and social challenges in the design process.

International dimension

It actively promotes the strengthening of international scientific relations through joint supervision of theses with prestigious foreign universities, leading to the award of dual degrees and facilitating incoming and outgoing student mobility. The Academic Board has a strong international focus, and the programme ensures the participation of high-profile scholars and experts from foreign academic institutions and research centres.

Approach and Method

The structure of the research programme encourages a move away from traditional teaching models towards active and participatory methodologies, such as the peer-to-peer approach, the problem-based approach and workshop-style activities. This pedagogical model is geared towards strengthening the doctoral student’s intellectual autonomy, whilst ensuring a constant exchange of ideas between the various curricula within the programme.

Impact and career prospects

The programme’s strategic objective is to train high-calibre professionals working in the field of research, capable of responding to contemporary environmental, technological and socio-economic challenges. Thanks to its cross-sectoral nature, it trains graduates capable of promoting significant scientific advances in academia, whilst equipping them to take on technical and managerial roles in public and private institutions, thereby fostering applied innovation.

Choose this PhD programme if… 

You wish to develop advanced research skills to manage the complexity of environmental and technological transitions, integrating interdisciplinary knowledge into the design of the built environment and product systems.

Coordinator: Francesco Bausi

Why choose this PhD programme?

For no such doctoral programme exists abroad—one entirely focused on philology, Italian studies, and linguistics, and characterized by a strongly transdisciplinary approach integrating these fields of research. Even within Italy, there are no comparable programs; furthermore, the inclusion of a specialized track dedicated to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance is unique, rooted as it is in the cultural tradition of Florence and, specifically, that of the University of Florence.

International dimension

The programme offers the opportunity for joint-supervision theses and enables students to obtain the *Doctor Europaeus* title; furthermore, the various tracks involve international collaboration agreements that allow visiting professors to deliver lectures as part of the doctoral curriculum. Doctoral candidates are also required to undertake a period of study abroad (four months for the international Italian Studies track; three months for all other tracks).

Approach and methodology

In this programme, both teaching and research adopt an interdisciplinary approach, fostered by the proximity of the various fields of study and collaboration between faculty members and doctoral students. Classes are conducted in a seminar format and rely on the active participation of students, who are also involved in planning the educational activities.

Impact and career prospects

The main career opportunities are: secondary school teaching; an academic career; journalism and publishing; and employment in libraries, archives, and public or private research institutions.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You are interested in research within the fields of Italian studies, literary history, and philology—with a particular focus on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance—and if you aspire to a career in teaching, whether in schools or academia. You will also have access to career opportunities in libraries, archives, and research institutions, as well as in the journalism and publishing sectors.

Coordinator: Andrea Mecacci

Why choose this PhD programme?

The Firenze-Pisa PhD in Philosophy stands out for a decade-long collaboration between two prestigious universities and a structure organized into four tracks covering all research areas. The programme features an integrated approach, combining the philological rigor of the Italian historical tradition with an openness to current international debates. It is further distinguished by its interdisciplinary methodologies and a strong international focus.

International dimension

The PhD programme is strongly focused on internationalization, offering research stays abroad, encouraging joint supervision, and enabling students to earn dual or joint degrees with prestigious foreign universities. Furthermore, it involves high-standing foreign faculty members in its curriculum, which is partly conducted in English.

Approach and methodology

Beyond theoretical study, the doctoral programme connects philosophical research with contemporary complexities, fostering dialogue between the humanities (history, literature) and the sciences (physics, biology, technology). It trains researchers to make innovative contributions outside academia, focusing on modern challenges ranging from artificial intelligence to the climate crisis.

Impact and career prospects

The natural career prospects lie in academia and research at universities or public and private institutions. In the business sector, the fields most closely related to this programme include innovation, human resources management, publishing, media and communication, and cultural management. The doctoral programme has also established partnerships with private organizations through topic-specific fellowships.

Choose this PhD programme if…

you think philosophy plays an active role in addressing today's challenges.

Coordinator: Inmaculada Solis Garcia

Why choose this PhD programme?

The commitment to spend at least 12 months abroad ensures an international dimension of excellence – a unique opportunity that enables PhD students to achieve a high level of scientific productivity. The programme boasts excellent facilities and research resources. With 80 per cent of students coming from other universities, it offers a dynamic environment and an ideal balance between teaching and research for those aiming for an academic career in the fields of languages, foreign literature and comparative cultures.

International dimension

A 12-month period spent abroad provides an opportunity to build networks and refine one’s research in collaboration with foreign academics who are specialists in one’s field. There are also joint supervision agreements in place, enabling students to obtain a dual degree. Finally, PhD students will have the opportunity to regularly attend high-profile international conferences and seminars.

Approach and methodology

The PhD programme is organised into five areas: a) Foreign and Comparative Literature, b) German Studies, c) Philology and General Linguistics, d) Foreign Languages and Translation, e) Oriental Studies. The programme takes a multidisciplinary approach and aims to provide advanced training in one of these disciplinary fields. The programme comprises lectures, seminars and joint supervision with foreign institutions, which also help students to interpret their research from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Impact and career prospects

Among those who have obtained their degree and completed a specific Alma Laurea questionnaire, the employment rate stands at 75 per cent. They find employment in the public sector (67 per cent) and the private sector (33 per cent). The main career paths are academic research (33 per cent) and highly specialised professions (33 per cent). Other future prospects include educational linguistics.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You are interested in foreign languages and literature, this is the ideal programme for you, given its international and interdisciplinary focus: 12 months of research abroad, the opportunity to obtain a dual international degree, and a high level of academic specialisation.

Coordinator: Fabio Togni

Why choose this PhD programme?

This PhD programme structurally combines pedagogy and psychology, offering an interdisciplinary, highly personalised programme that is closely linked to applied research. It is distinguished by the integration of advanced training, public engagement, international mobility and the active participation of PhD students in academic life, including the organisation of events, podcasts and publications.

International dimension

The programme offers a strong international focus: compulsory periods of study abroad lasting at least six months; established partnerships with foreign universities and research centres, supported by the presence of internationally renowned academics on the teaching staff; seminars and activities led by high-profile visiting professors; as well as the opportunity to undertake joint supervision and participate in international scientific networks. Internationalisation is an integral, rather than an ancillary, part of the programme.

Approach and methodology

The programme is structured in an interdisciplinary and progressive manner, interweaving pedagogy and psychology, theoretical reflection and empirical research, methodological workshops and individual project work. The programme combines core modules, elective activities, personalised tutoring and academic discussion in the ‘Research Dialogues’, fostering scientific autonomy, methodological rigour and a focus on practical applications.

Impact and career prospects

The PhD programme in Educational Sciences and Psychology trains professionals for research roles in the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on socio-educational and psychological contexts within education and vocational training. The professional contexts include: universities and research organisations, public bodies and third sector organisations, educational and welfare services, training, consultancy, planning and innovation within organisational settings.

Choose this PhD programme if…

you wish to train as a researcher in the social sciences, capable of combining theory, empirical research, an international outlook and social impact.

Coordinator: Antonella D'Ovidio

Why choose this PhD programme?

A student should choose this PhD programme because of its strongly interdisciplinary nature and the very high standard of teaching, which brings together recognised experts in the arts and performing arts (music, film and theatre) from the three Tuscan universities (Florence, Pisa and Siena).

International dimension

The programme offers numerous international opportunities thanks to the study abroad placement of at least three months available to PhD students, partnerships with some of Europe’s leading institutions, museums and libraries, joint supervision programs and lectures by visiting professors.

Approach and methodology

The research is based on a historical-critical approach to the arts and performing arts, with a particular focus on the digital humanities. The approach is highly interdisciplinary.

Impact and career prospects

The main career path on offer is an academic career, alongside roles as consultants, curators and experts in the fields of art and the performing arts within opera foundations, theatres, museums, music, theatre and film festivals, and artistic and cultural foundations.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You wish to specialise in the arts and performing arts

Coordinator: Giulia Torri

Why choose this PhD programme?

The PhD programme is characterised by its inter-university nature, involving the University of Florence and the University of Siena, which increases resources and expertise. It covers an extremely broad time span, from antiquity to the present day, adopting an interdisciplinary approach with a strong focus on primary sources, thereby ensuring a more solid, comprehensive and highly specialised education.

International dimension

The programme offers extensive international opportunities: research placements abroad (three months are compulsory for all students), the possibility of joint supervision agreements with foreign universities, and participation in scientific collaboration networks. The presence of international lecturers on the academic staff promotes open-mindedness and exchange of ideas, whilst seminars and teaching sessions featuring guest speakers from European institutions ensure a dynamic environment that is fully integrated into the global academic context.

Approach and methodology

The research programme is structured in an interdisciplinary and comparative manner, covering the entire chronological period from antiquity to the present day. It combines a theoretical approach with direct analysis of sources, placing strong emphasis on archival work and written culture. Seminars, workshops and ongoing dialogue with lecturers and scholars encourage a rigorous, open approach focused on original research.

Impact and career prospects

Graduates of this programme find career opportunities in academia and research at European level, as well as in highly qualified school teaching. The programme also prepares students for roles in archives, libraries, museums and cultural institutions, as well as in public institutions and heritage enhancement projects, thanks to advanced skills in research, source analysis and the management of historical knowledge.

Choose this PhD programme if…

You want to turn history into active research: working with primary sources, exploring different eras and methodologies, and studying in an international environment that truly prepares you for academic research and the world of work in Italy and across Europe.