General Programme Overview
The PhD Programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach aimed at training highly qualified researchers in health technologies and innovation. The programme is structured into two complementary curricula:
1. Innovative Biotechnologies
This curriculum focuses on the development and application of cutting-edge biotechnological approaches in healthcare, including:
- Biotechnologies applied to organ transplantation;
- Predictive medicine and novel biomarkers in human diseases;
- Development of innovative diagnostic technologies;
- Biotechnological approaches for molecular characterization, diagnostics, imaging, and
personalized treatment of cancer and rare diseases; - Biology of ageing and age-related disorders.
2. Innovative Methodologies in Clinical Research
This curriculum addresses the development and implementation of innovative methodologies and technologies in clinical research and healthcare systems, including:
- Big data technologies for the study of emerging infectious diseases;
- Innovation and robotic surgery;
- Regenerative medicine;
- Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence for healthcare improvement;
- Telemedicine and community-based healthcare;
- Strategies for promoting active ageing;
- Risk management in healthcare;
- Innovative tools supporting medical decision-making;
- Governance of healthcare innovation;
- Health law, medical liability, and emerging technologies;
- Blockchain technologies and new business models in medicine.
The PhD Programme operates as an interdisciplinary platform designed to foster the development of innovative health technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings. The two-curriculum structure provides complementary perspectives united by a common focus on technological innovation, strengthened by multidisciplinary integration and collaborations with public and private partners operating in healthcare, biotechnology, and research sectors.
Educational Objectives
The PhD Programme aims to train the next generation of leaders in innovative health technologies across academic, industrial, and clinical environments. Its mission is to develop an integrated and forward-looking research framework that combines emerging technologies with the latest advances in biomedical science, fostering the development and clinical translation of innovative solutions for public health.
The programme specifically aims to promote:
- Development of innovative surgical technologies, including robotic surgery applications;
- Development of advanced diagnostic and laboratory technologies;
- Development of innovative therapeutic approaches and regenerative medicine;
- Biotechnological strategies for molecular characterization, imaging, diagnostics, and personalized treatment of cancer;
- Biotechnologies applied to organ transplantation;
- Predictive medicine and the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers;
- Innovative approaches for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases;
- Development of new medical devices and innovative healthcare services through bioinformatics and artificial intelligence applications.
Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the biological mechanisms of ageing and developing strategies that support healthy and active ageing throughout the lifespan.
Training and Skills Development
The STISIA PhD Programme offers an interdisciplinary educational pathway designed to provide doctoral candidates with advanced expertise in biomedical research, health technologies, and clinical innovation. The programme integrates specialized scientific training, transferable skills, and applied research activities.
Training activities extend throughout the three-year programme and combine structured coursework, laboratory-based learning, scientific seminars, international experiences, and professional development opportunities. The overarching goal is to train independent researchers capable of working in highly innovative academic, clinical, industrial, and translational research environments.
Methodological and Transferable Skills Training
During the first year, doctoral candidates acquire core research competencies through course dedicated to:
- Scientific communication and academic writing in English;
- Informatics, statistics, and data analysis;
- Research design and competitive funding applications;
- National and international research project management;
- Research valorisation, technology transfer, and intellectual property;
- Advanced software tools for biomedical data analysis and research.
Statistics, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence
A strong emphasis is placed on quantitative and digital competencies. Doctoral candidates receive advanced training in statistical analysis using R software, data visualization, reproducible research workflows, and scientific reporting.
The programme also includes dedicated training in:
- Machine Learning;
- Supervised and unsupervised learning approaches;
- Predictive modelling;
- Artificial intelligence applications in healthcare and biomedical research;
- Data-driven approaches for precision medicine and healthcare innovation.
Laboratory and Research Activities
From the beginning of the programme, doctoral candidates actively participate in the research activities of the laboratories affiliated with the PhD Programme. They have access to advanced scientific infrastructures and receive hands-on training in:
- Innovative experimental methodologies;
- Laboratory techniques and biomedical technologies;
- Advanced diagnostic platforms;
- Molecular and translational research approaches;
- Bioinformatics tools;
- Clinical and translational research infrastructures.
Internationalisation
The programme actively promotes international mobility through research and training periods abroad, collaborations with international research institutions, and language enhancement initiatives.
Doctoral candidates may also access courses offered by the University Language Centre, leading to internationally recognised language certifications and facilitating participation in global scientific networks.
Seminars and Interdisciplinary Education
The educational programme is enriched by a continuous series of scientific seminars, workshops, and distinguished lectures delivered by leading national and international experts from academia, healthcare institutions, and industry.
Topics include:
- Translational medicine;
- Precision oncology;
- Rare diseases;
- Biomedical engineering;
- Artificial intelligence in healthcare;
- Personalized medicine;
- Emerging technologies and their clinical applications.
These activities ensure continuous exposure to the latest scientific advances and emerging research
trends.
Researcher Career Development
Through access to the international Nature Masterclasses platform and dedicated doctoral training activities, candidates develop advanced competencies in:
- Scientific writing and publishing;
- Science communication;
- Grant writing and European project development;
- Research ethics and integrity;
- Research data management;
- Networking and multidisciplinary collaboration;
- Research valorisation and innovation transfer.
Innovation-Oriented Training
The entire educational framework is designed to foster interaction between biomedical research, technological innovation, and clinical applications.
The programme aims to train researchers capable of leading the development of innovative health technologies, promoting technology transfer, and generating scientific, clinical, economic, and societal impact in the fields of health and active ageing.
Admission Requirements
Applicants holding a Master's Degree (or equivalent qualification) from any academic discipline are eligible to apply, provided they meet the admission requirements established by the University and the PhD regulations.
Career Opportunities
Professional Prospects
Graduates of the STISIA PhD Programme acquire advanced competencies in the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of innovative research activities. They develop scientific leadership skills, expertise in managing complex projects, and capabilities in technology transfer and innovation management.
Career opportunities include positions in:
- Universities and national or international research institutions;
- IRCCS research hospitals and healthcare organisations;
- Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical industries;
- Digital health and artificial intelligence companies;
- National and regional healthcare agencies;
- Regulatory authorities and health technology assessment bodies;
- Innovative start-ups and academic spin-offs;
- International organisations involved in health research and innovation.
The programme also equips graduates with transferable skills essential for participation in and coordination of national and European research projects, facilitating successful careers in highly competitive international environments.
PhD students actively participate in Third Mission initiatives, including seminars, conferences, and public engagement activities with public and private entities, schools, associations, and local institutions. The PhD program fosters dialogue between research and society, promoting the dissemination of healthcare and technological innovation through multidisciplinary events and inter-institutional collaborations, with the aim of enhancing the social impact of scientific research (Researchers’ Night).