Salta al contenuto principale
Typology
Ph.D Course
Access methods
Restricted access
Duration
3
Location
Varese
Language
Italian
Structure
DIPARTIMENTO DI MEDICINA E CHIRURGIA

Course description

Contemporary medicine is increasingly challenged by the rapid advancement of scientific knowledge, technological innovation, the evolving organisation of healthcare systems, and growing attention to the ethical, social, legal, and economic dimensions of health and healthcare. In this context, biomedical research requires advanced competencies that integrate clinical, experimental, and humanistic approaches, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping researchers to address complex challenges through rigorous and innovative methodologies.

The PhD Programme in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities is designed to train researchers who will advance scientific knowledge and drive innovation in the biomedical field through a distinctive integration of clinical research, experimental science, and the medical humanities.

The Programme is open to graduates from a wide range of academic disciplines who share a strong interest in biomedical and health research. This diversity of backgrounds represents a key strength of the Programme, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of complementary methodologies, both of which are essential for developing innovative solutions and addressing the complex challenges of contemporary medicine.

The Programme comprises 180 ECTS credits to be completed over a three-year period, in accordance with the framework adopted by the University's Doctoral School. The curriculum includes interdisciplinary and discipline-specific courses, seminars, methodological workshops, journal clubs, activities on research ethics and integrity, scientific dissemination initiatives, and the development of each candidate's individual research project.

During the first year, doctoral candidates consolidate the methodological and disciplinary competencies required to define their research project and, in agreement with the Faculty Board, identify their academic supervisor and, where appropriate, a co-supervisor. The second and third years are primarily devoted to conducting research, participating in national and international research groups, producing scientific publications, and preparing the doctoral thesis.

Teaching and training activities are delivered by faculty members of the University of Insubria, as well as by scholars from other Italian and international universities, researchers from public and private research institutions, and experts from the healthcare sector and related professions. This broad involvement fosters continuous interaction with diverse disciplinary and methodological perspectives.

Throughout the Programme, doctoral candidates benefit from a structured system of scientific supervision and progress monitoring, based on regular interaction with their supervisor, the Faculty Board, and active participation in the Programme's scientific activities. The Programme strongly promotes international mobility by encouraging doctoral candidates to undertake study and research periods at universities, IRCCS (Italian Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare), research centres, and other international scientific institutions. These experiences are considered an integral part of doctoral training, contributing to the development of scientific independence, advanced methodological competencies, and international research networks.

Through collaborations with clinical institutions, research laboratories, organisations within the Italian National Health Service, and national and international partners, the Programme provides an outstanding research environment in which doctoral candidates can develop original research projects and contribute to advancing knowledge in the fields of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and the Medical Humanities.

The Programme aims to educate independent and responsible researchers who are equipped to work in national and international scientific environments, contributing to the advancement of research, innovation, and the quality of healthcare through a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and person-centred approach.

Scientific areas: 05 – Biological Sciences, 06 - Medical Sciences, 14 - Political and Social Sciences
Thematic areas: BIOS-03/B, BIOS-11/A, MEDS-24/A, MEDS-02/C, MEDS-03/A, MEDS-24/C, MEDS-05/A, MEDS-07/A, MEDS-07/B, MEDS-08/A, MEDS-09/B, MEDS-10/B, MEDS-11/A, MEDS-12/A MEDS-10/C, MEDS-20/B, MEDS-23/A, MEDS-24/B, MEDS-25/A, GSPS-01/A
Coordinator : Squizzato Alessandro
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Ph.D. Cycle: XLII cycle

What you need to know

All graduates with a master's degree and, in particular, graduates in medicine and surgery, dentistry, veterinary medicine, literature and philosophy, communication sciences and techniques, biological sciences, biotechnologies, pharmacy, psychology, chemistry and technology can access the doctorate. pharmaceutical, legal and economic sciences. The possession of an adequate cultural education and a personal path suitable to undertake the doctorate course will be the subject of specific and in-depth verification and evaluation during admission.

General Objectives: The PhD Programme in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities aims to train researchers capable of advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in the fields of medicine and health through a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and research-oriented approach.

The Programme provides advanced training in the core methodologies of clinical and experimental research, integrating the biomedical sciences with the perspectives offered by the Medical Humanities and disciplines addressing the ethical, legal, social, and organisational dimensions of biomedical research. This integrated approach enables doctoral candidates to address the complexity of research and healthcare, while promoting a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary health challenges.

The Programme prepares doctoral candidates to work in academic, clinical, healthcare, and institutional settings at both the national and international levels. Graduates develop the ability to design, conduct, and coordinate original research projects, collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, critically evaluate scientific evidence, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions aimed at improving health outcomes and healthcare systems.

Learning Objectives: Throughout the three-year Programme, doctoral candidates acquire advanced knowledge and competencies that enable them to design, conduct, and critically evaluate research in the fields of clinical medicine, experimental research, and the Medical Humanities.

The curriculum promotes the development of robust methodological, statistical, epidemiological, and bioethical competencies, enabling candidates to critically appraise the international scientific literature, formulate original research questions, select appropriate research methodologies, and interpret findings in accordance with the principles of methodological rigour and research integrity.

Particular emphasis is placed on fostering scientific independence and the ability to address complex research questions through an interdisciplinary approach, supported by continuous interaction with supervisors, faculty members, and researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

The Programme also develops the transferable skills essential for a research career, including scientific communication, academic writing, the preparation of competitive research proposals, research data management, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the responsible dissemination of research findings in accordance with the principles of research integrity, transparency, accountability, and open knowledge sharing.

Learning is supported through discipline-specific and interdisciplinary seminars, methodological workshops, journal clubs, activities dedicated to research ethics and integrity, and opportunities to engage with leading national and international scholars. The Programme also encourages participation in scientific conferences and study or research placements at partner universities and research institutions, fostering integration into national and international research networks while promoting independent learning and lifelong professional development.

Research Objectives: A central component of the PhD Programme is the development of an original research project, carried out under the supervision of experienced faculty members and aligned with the Programme's research areas and those of the participating research groups.

Throughout the three-year Programme, doctoral candidates receive continuous guidance in the progressive development of their research project, from defining the research question and selecting the most appropriate methodologies to analysing and critically interpreting the results. Regular interaction with the supervisor, academic tutor, Faculty Board, and the wider scientific community supports the continuous refinement of the research design and the enhancement of its scientific quality.

The Programme promotes active engagement with the scientific community through the presentation of research findings at national and international conferences, participation in specialised seminars and workshops, and publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, in accordance with the principles of research ethics, integrity, and scientific responsibility.

The Programme culminates in the completion of a doctoral thesis that makes an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and the Medical Humanities. This provides graduates with a strong foundation for pursuing academic and research careers, as well as highly qualified professional roles within healthcare institutions, public and private organisations, and national and international research bodies.

Graduates of the PhD Programme are well prepared to pursue academic, research, and professional careers in a wide range of national and international settings, including:

  • Research-intensive hospitals and university hospitals
  • Public and private research institutes 
  • Healthcare organisations and public health agencies 
  • Research Ethics Committees and Clinical Ethics Consultation Services 
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies 
  • Universities and higher education institutions 
  • Governmental, regulatory, and international health organisations 
  • Research centres and institutions working in biomedical sciences, public health, and the Medical Humanities

The interdisciplinary training provided by the Programme also equips graduates to contribute to research and innovation projects that integrate biomedical, clinical, ethical, and organisational perspectives, fostering dialogue between scientific research, clinical practice and health policy.
 

The educational activities of the PhD Programme are delivered primarily on campus, fostering direct interaction among doctoral candidates, faculty members, and researchers, and promoting a collaborative, interdisciplinary learning environment that supports the growth of the Programme's scientific community. Where required by specific educational or organisational needs, selected activities may also be delivered in blended or onlineformats, in accordance with University regulations.

Attendance at the educational activities included in the Programme is considered an integral part of doctoral training and is therefore expected of all doctoral candidates. In the event of a justified absence, doctoral candidates are required to notify both the course instructor and the Programme Coordinator.

Enrollment

The Programme offers 9 places, including 7 fully funded scholarships awarded by the University and 2 places without a scholarship.

To be admitted to a PhD program, candidates must hold a master’s degree (laurea magistrale/specialistica/ciclo unico/vecchio ordinamento) or another qualification obtained abroad and recognized as equivalent.

Applicants who have not yet completed their degree are also eligible to apply; enrollment can be finalized only for those who obtain the required qualification by 31 October.

Applications must be submitted through the official admission call for the PhD Programme. The deadline for submitting applications is 6 July 2026 at 12:00.

More detailed information is provided in the Call for Applications 

You can enroll in the PhD program after a public competition for qualifications and examinations.
The application for admission to PhD studies shall be submitted by the deadline of 6 July 2026, 12 pm (CET).

Call for admission to doctoral courses XLII cycle A.Y. 2026/2027

Class attendance

The PhD Programme is structured around a credit-based system (ECTS) that integrates coursework, research activities, and opportunities for the development of transferable skills.

The Programme requires full-time and exclusive commitment, corresponding to a total of 180 ECTS credits over three years. Each credit is equivalent to 25 hours of learning activities, including 8 hours of taught instructionand 17 hours of independent study. Credits are awarded by the Faculty Board through participation in:

  • transversal training activities (3 ECTS credits); 
  • disciplinary training activities; 
  • elective training activities (1 ECTS credit); 
  • interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary training activities; 
  • academic and professional training activities; 
  • research activities. 

The Programme is designed to enable doctoral candidates to acquire advanced methodological, scientific, and transferable competencies aligned with its educational objectives, while fostering the progressive integration of advanced training, research, and active engagement with the national and international scientific community.

The annual training programme is planned and approved by the Faculty Board in accordance with the Programme's educational objectives, the evolution of its research areas, and the training needs of doctoral candidates, ensuring the continuous updating and quality of the educational offer.

Seminars and conferences constitute a core component of the doctoral training programme, providing valuable opportunities for scientific updating, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the development of research competencies.

Throughout the academic year, the Programme organises a series of scientific seminars for doctoral candidates featuring faculty members, researchers, and experts from Italian and international universities, research institutions, and healthcare organisations. These activities address topics in clinical research, experimental medicine, and the Medical Humanities, encouraging dialogue across different disciplinary and methodological perspectives.

The training programme also includes methodological workshops focusing on research methods and tools, as well as seminar series organised by the Research Centre for Clinical Ethics (CREC). These initiatives provide opportunities for interdisciplinary discussion on clinical research, bioethics, the Medical Humanities, and research integrity, while enabling doctoral candidates to engage with nationally and internationally recognised scholars.

A key annual event is the PhD Research Day, during which doctoral candidates present the progress of their research projects to the academic community. This event promotes scientific discussion with the Faculty Board, supervisors, and fellow doctoral candidates, while providing an important opportunity to share research experiences and foster both scientific and professional development.

The Programme also encourages doctoral candidates to participate in national and international conferences, scientific meetings, workshops, and advanced training schools, supporting their integration into the international research community and the development of collaborative research networks.

Internationalisation is a defining feature of the PhD Programme. Doctoral candidates are encouraged to undertake study and research placements at universities, research institutes, IRCCS (Italian Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare), and other international scientific institutions in order to broaden their methodological and scientific expertise, establish international collaborations, and gain experience in different research environments.

International mobility periods are planned in consultation with the supervisor and approved by the Faculty Board, ensuring full alignment with the objectives of the individual research project. These experiences constitute an integral part of doctoral training, fostering scientific and professional development, strengthening research independence, expanding international collaboration networks, and promoting participation in internationally oriented research projects.

Studying

School of Neuroimmune Pharmacology Years 1, 2, and 3: Neuroimmunopharmacology lies at the intersection of pharmacology, immunology, and neuroscience, thus characterized by a high degree of inter- and transdisciplinarity and offering original therapeutic approaches based on knowledge of the complex relationships between the nervous and immune systems. The primary objective of this discipline is the identification of new pharmacotherapeutic targets and the repositioning of existing drugs for other indications through a characterization of their neuroimmunological effects. Neuroimmunopharmacology is a relatively young scientific discipline, but one experiencing rapid and vibrant growth. In 1993, the Society on Neuroimmune Pharmacology (SNIP - https://s-nip.org/) was founded, in 2006 the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology (Springer-Nature, https://link.springer.com/journal/11481) began publication, and in 2008 the first edition of Neuroimmune Pharmacology (JNIP, Springer) was published, followed in 2016 by a second updated and expanded edition (https://amzn.to/2OmZniT). This discipline is not limited to the study of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases of the nervous system (for example, multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies, classic areas of interest in neuroimmunology), but also encompasses neurodegenerative processes such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, stress-related disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and, in general, all conditions in which peripheral and central inflammatory processes involve and/or are influenced by the nervous system. The School is an integral part of the teaching and training activities of the Doctoral Program. Thanks also to the collaboration of its sponsoring scientific societies, the School is promoted internationally.

School on Methodology, Ethics and Integrity in Biomedical Research

I, II, and III years: This School was created within the PhD program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities, and incorporates the doctoral programs that have merged into it, namely the program in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and the program in Medicine and Human Sciences. Consistent with the program's stated objectives ("to provide the methodological skills to design and conduct experimental and clinical research from a global and systemic perspective that also leads to in-depth reflection on the ethical and deontological aspects related to basic and applied experimental research in clinical practice and in pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy"), the faculty who created this highly innovative and interdisciplinary program now intend to develop an additional tool, integrated into the postgraduate curriculum, useful for pursuing the goal of promoting a culture of scientific integrity in biomedicine. The University of Insubria stands out nationally for its specific attention to these highly topical and globally relevant issues, which are still largely absent from the political and strategic debate of Italian scientific research. Our university has adopted a Code of Ethics that—like no other Italian university to our knowledge—deeply addresses issues such as conflict of interest and integrity in scientific research. In this regard, and for the purposes of this School project, the experience of the seminar series on the Code of Ethics, promoted and organized by the working group that drafted the Code (which included some of the proponents of this School), is extremely significant. The seminar series has enjoyed considerable success and attention, thanks in part to the publication of the full videos online.

Annual Science Day First, second, and third year: 

Biomedical research is among the crucial factors for the progress and well-being of modern societies, and the profession of biomedical research is among the most intellectually exciting. In recent decades, however, pursuing a research career in biomedicine has become increasingly difficult, primarily due to increased competition and declining funding. The pressure of intense competition for funding and securing stable employment in academic institutions are among the major factors driving researchers to compromise their professional integrity by adopting questionable research practices, even committing acts of scientific misconduct.

VIRT2UE, Training program for research integrity

Modules

  1. The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity
  2. Introduction to research integrity - a module that introduces the basic principles of research integrity and asks you to apply the European Code of Conduct to your own context.
  3. Introduction of Virtue Ethics to Research Integrity - a module that introduces the relevance of virtue ethics to research integrity and asks you to reflect about research integrity issues.
  4. Virtue ethics applied under current research conditions - a module that addresses more systemic issues, like performative pressures in research, and relates these to virtue ethics and the individual experience of the researcher. 

The PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities aims to meet the training needs of young researchers by providing comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the fundamental principles, methodologies, and practices of preclinical and clinical experimental research in biomedicine.

The annual scientific day, now in its eighth year (https://tinyurl.com/y8vuyxag), is a consolidated event of great educational value for doctoral students who thus learn the fundamentals of communication and discussion in scientific conferences


 

Course Title

Hours

Target Year(s)DescriptionFinal Exam
School on Methodology, Ethics and Integrity in Biomedical Research40First, Second and Third YearAn interdisciplinary school providing advanced training in research methodology, research ethics, scientific integrity, and responsible conduct of research. The programme equips doctoral candidates with the methodological and ethical competencies required to design, conduct, and critically evaluate biomedical research, while promoting a culture of research integrity and good scientific practice.

✓

Annual Scientific Meeting of the PhD Programme8First, Second and Third YearThe Annual Scientific Meeting provides doctoral candidates with the opportunity to present and discuss their research activities within the academic community. It promotes scientific communication, critical discussion, and peer feedback, while fostering interdisciplinary exchange and professional development.

✓

CourseYearHoursFacultyDescription
Safety in the laboratory114Ref. SacchiLegal aspects. Working with videoterminals. Working with chemicals. Working with lasers and radioactive sources. Biohazard.
Artificial intelligenceAny8Ref. FasanoFoundations of AI. The AI act. Applications (Biology, Surgery, Medicine, Economics, Humanities, Astrophysics, Materials science)
Becoming a researcher – The publication processAny8Ref. MaggiThe aim of the course is to analyse the process of publishing, from identifying a target journal, drafting the paper, the submission process, handling reviews and revisions.  The course will also cover aspects related to the ethics of publishing (e.g., plagiarism, co-authoring) and provide a concrete example of a journal article from firm submission to handling the reviewers’ letters to acceptance.
Personal brandingAny12TLCAt the end of the course, the participant will be able to effectively manage their presence on social media by creating high-quality content and will know how to communicate in an official capacity to best promote themselves on their personal and professional channels.
Public speakingAny8TLC

The course introduces important elements of successful presentations including effective listening, presentation organization, and logical structure; informative and persuasive speech; use of visual aids, research, and evidence; ethical considerations; and techniques for building confidence in public speaking.

Objectives: to increase confidence and poise when speaking to audiences or groups; to expand student’s abilities with computer mediated communication in order to better prepare them for future presentations online; to enrich students’ ability to master all components that make a speech successful: understanding timing, figuring out how much practice is needed, ensuring deliverables are clear, and being able to meet deadlines.

Project managementAny8TLCHow to start, define and organize a project; how to develop a project plan, including scoping, sequencing tasks, and determining the critical path; how to assess, prioritize and manage project risk; how to execute projects and use the earned value approach to monitor and control progress

In addition to curricular and transversal activities, students may participate in elective training activities offered by other PhD programs, including those at other universities. A minimum of 1 ECTS credit must be earned through these activities.

The plan of mandatory training activities is updated gradually and completed by February. The activity calendar is available here:

The University offers optional English language courses through a multimedia software platform (MacMillan English Campus – MEC), as well as an English language course designed to prepare students for obtaining the B2 certification.

At the end of the PhD Program, the B2 English language certification is required in order to obtain the PhD degree.

All information is available on the webpage https://www.uninsubria.eu/course-catalogue/course-list/phd-doctoral-programs/information-enrolled-students/english-language.

Attaining your qualification

Progression to the subsequent years of the PhD Programme is decided annually by the Faculty Board on the basis of each doctoral candidate's academic and research progress.

At the beginning of the first year, each doctoral candidate, in consultation with their supervisor, prepares a three-year research plan, which is submitted to the Faculty Board for approval, normally within the first three months of the Programme.

Throughout each academic year, doctoral candidates are required to complete the educational and research activities included in their individual training plan, earning at least 60 ECTS credits per year, in accordance with the Programme Regulations. Credits may be obtained through research activities, participation in conferences and seminars, scientific publications, teaching activities, and other activities consistent with the individual research project.

At the end of each academic year, doctoral candidates submit an annual report to the Faculty Board, outlining the educational and research activities completed and the results achieved. The report is accompanied by a written evaluation from the supervisor, assessing the candidate's progress and overall performance.

Based on the documentation submitted, the Faculty Board evaluates the achievement of the Programme's educational and research objectives and decides on progression to the following year or, upon completion of the Programme, admission to the doctoral thesis defence.

By 31 August each year, doctoral candidates are required to submit an annual progress report to the Faculty Board, describing the educational and research activities undertaken during the academic year and providing an update on the progress of their research project. The report constitutes one of the key elements considered by the Faculty Board when assessing academic progress and eligibility for progression to the following year.

Upon completion of the doctoral training programme, the Faculty Board assesses whether the educational and research requirements have been successfully fulfilled for admission to the final examination.

The doctoral thesis, prepared under the supervision of the supervisor, undergoes a preliminary evaluation by at least two external experts who are independent of the Faculty Board and selected on the basis of their expertise in the relevant research field.

The external reviewers assess whether the thesis is suitable for the final defence. Where revisions or amendments are required, the doctoral candidate is expected to revise the thesis in accordance with the reviewers' recommendations before submitting the final version.

Following favourable evaluations by the external reviewers, the Faculty Board approves the candidate's admission to the final examination. The doctoral thesis is then defended before an Examination Committee appointed in accordance with the applicable national regulations and the Programme Regulations.

Course committees and representatives

The AiQua Committee of the MCSMH PhD Program  is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance of all educational and research activities within the PhD Programme. It works in close collaboration with the PhD Faculty Board, the Doctoral School, and the Department Council.

The Committee is composed of the Coordinator, two members of the PhD Faculty Board, two PhD students and one administrative staff member. Its composition is proposed by the PhD Faculty Board and formally appointed by the Department Council

Find out more:

AiQUA Committee - Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities

The Advisory Committee plays a strategic role in ensuring the quality of the PhD Programme by helping to ensure that its structure, curriculum, and educational activities meet high academic standards and reflect best practices. It also contributes to keeping the Programme aligned with emerging research trends, societal needs, and labour market demands, ensuring that doctoral candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful careers in both academia and the wider professional sector.

Find out more:

Advisory Committee - Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities

For information

Department of Medicine and Surgery - DMC 

University of Insubria

Via Guicciardini n. 9
21100 Varese (VA), Italy
 

Coordinator: Prof. Squizzato Alessandro l dottorato.dmc@uninsubria.it