Ph.D Course
Restricted access
3 years
Varese
Italian
DIPARTIMENTO DI MEDICINA E INNOVAZIONE TECNOLOGICA
Course description
The XLII cycle of the Ph.D course in Experimental and Translational Medicine aims at applying an interdisciplinary approach to human health to allow a valuable transfer of the most recent developments in basic sciences to the clinical practice. The main goal of the course is to overcome the compartmentalization often encountered between basic and medical sciences as a consequence of the obviously different experimental approaches used and to enable the Ph.D. student to acquire multiple technical skills, learn a scientific interdisciplinary approach (including cellular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, physiology and neurosciences) and successfully export these knowledges to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a panorama of clinical pathologies. Indeed, although Translational Medicine is experimental by nature, it must be developed keeping in mind its potential impact on the improvement of human health.
The Ph.D. student will be asked to carry on an experimental study using specific and innovative technological tools, to adequately interpret the results of the study and to learn several aspects of the clinical research approaches in order to develop his/her own skill in evaluating the applicability of new technologies to clinical research.
More specifically, the targets of the XLII cycle of the Ph.D course are to provide the student with the know-how:
- to fully develop the research project chosen among those proposed for the XLI cycle and to master the experimental procedures needed to solve potential experimental difficulties
- to adequately interpret and discuss the obtained results, to write scientific reports and to present the data to the scientific community at national and international meetings
- to be able to experience a period (6-18 months) of research in a highly qualified foreign research institution
- to prepare the final thesis and to present and discuss it with a Commission of experts at national and international levels.
The Ph.D. in Experimental and Translational Medicine will be qualified for the Academic and Health Care community, for private and public research Institutions and for biotechnological industries
What you need to know
The primary goal of the doctoral program is to train researchers capable of addressing biomedical problems with an integrated approach, combining experimental, clinical, and computational skills. Throughout the program, students develop the ability to critically analyze the literature, identify relevant research questions, and choose appropriate methodologies to investigate the underlying mechanisms of human disease. The program emphasizes scientific independence, encouraging doctoral students to independently design, organize, and manage their own projects, from defining objectives to publishing results. A key element is the adoption of advanced experimental strategies and innovative techniques, always adhering to high ethical standards and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principle. Great importance is placed on the ability to interpret data from a translational perspective, continuously assessing the potential clinical application of results. To facilitate this process, the program promotes collaboration between diverse research groups and the creation of national and international scientific networks, offering doctoral students the opportunity to engage with professionals from other fields and gain original insights. A further objective is to develop transversal skills, such as oral and written scientific communication, data dissemination, leadership, and project management. Doctoral students learn to present their findings in high-profile contexts, write articles for international journals, and engage with industry and institutions. This focus on enhancing knowledge aims to develop professionals capable of truly impacting current medical challenges, transforming basic research into effective clinical solutions with high social impact.
Upon completion of their doctorate, new PhD graduates will have a solid multidisciplinary background, making them competitive in a variety of careers. In the academic sector, they will be able to pursue research and teaching roles, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and fostering the education of new generations of students. At the same time, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries offer a wide range of opportunities, where the ability to integrate basic research and product development is highly sought after. Areas range from drug discovery to the design of diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, and even the management of large-scale clinical projects. Furthermore, training in translational innovation is increasingly valued by start-ups and university spin-offs, which require individuals capable of connecting scientific potential with economic feasibility. PhD graduates may also find opportunities in the public and private healthcare sectors, working in advanced clinical laboratories, regulatory bodies, or hospitals coordinating research and innovation projects. The propensity for working in multidisciplinary teams will also foster placement in international research groups and collaborative networks, where translational and soft skills play a crucial role. Overall, the doctorate prepares professionals capable of translating research findings into concrete solutions, meeting the growing demand for highly specialized professionals capable of addressing the complex challenges of contemporary medicine. This training program, therefore, not only opens the door to high-profile academic careers, but also provides the tools to work in industrial, hospital, and institutional settings, promoting a real impact on the health and well-being of the community.
To be admitted to a PhD program, you must have a master's degree, a specialist degree, a single-cycle degree, or another equivalent qualification obtained abroad.
The qualification must be obtained by the application deadline.
Those who have not yet obtained the qualification are also eligible to take the exams; enrollment can only be completed for those who obtain it by October 31st.
The admission qualification must have been obtained in the following subjects:
LM-6 Biology
LM-7 Agricultural Biotechnology
LM-8 Industrial Biotechnology
LM-9 Medical, Veterinary, and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
LM-13 Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy
LM-17 Physics
LM-41 Medicine and Surgery
LM-46 Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics
LM-54 Chemical Sciences
Opportunities and support
Months 6
Months 6
Enrollment
This PhD program is currently in its 42nd cycle.
Positions: 9
Scholarships: 7
Positions without scholarships: 2
To apply, you must apply through the relevant call for applications.
Class attendance
Formal teaching activities (mandatory and optional) associated with the Doctoral Program are defined annually by the Teaching Committee.
Doctoral students are required to carry out their research full-time in the laboratory of the instructor coordinating their chosen research project.
Electrophysiologic properties of the heart
Mathematical methods for the natural sciences
Annual Giovanna Tosi Day
Annual Brain Day as part of "Brain Week"
Bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Personal branding
Public speaking
Vertical seminars in translational medicine
Language improvement:
B2-level English language course
Other educational activities:
"Innovation Camp" for Insubria PhD students
Research Integrity
Academic Writing and Publishing
Project management
Studying
Classrooms, libraries, common areas, and services of the Departments of the Doctoral Program and Doctoral School faculty
All print and electronic subscriptions held by Uninsubria and the Lombardy Library System
Public Scientific Databases
Computer facilities of the Departments of Doctoral Faculty
Bioinformatics, image analysis, electrophysiology, and biostatistics services
Attaining your qualification
First to Second Year
To be admitted to the second year, students must have completed all exams by September 15th of the first year. By the same September 15th deadline, each student must choose a supervisor from among the members of the Faculty of Science. They must also indicate a co-supervisor, who may be a member of the Faculty of Science or an external academic or professional member.
Second to Third Year
To be admitted to the third year, students must submit at least one original working paper to the Faculty of Science, containing preliminary results and/or a literature review, by September 15th of the second year. The working paper must be approved by the supervising faculty.
By September 15th, each doctoral student is required to submit to the Teaching Board an annual report detailing the training and research activities carried out during the previous academic year, as well as the progress of their research project.
At the end of the third year, the Faculty Board evaluates the student's entire academic career, including the quality and progress of the doctoral thesis, for admission to the final exam.
The thesis represents the principal outcome of the research program and must demonstrate original analytical skills and a significant scientific contribution.
It is structured into at least three chapters, each developed to meet the quality standards required for publication in prestigious international peer-reviewed scientific journals. The thesis may also be structured as a collection of articles, linked by an introduction and a brief literature review.
It is strongly recommended that the student author at least one chapter.
Student services
Finally, we remind you that, at the University level, there is a Confidential Advisor and a Single Guarantee Committee (CUG), which are responsible for collecting reports of incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, or mobbing.
Course committees and representatives
The AiQua PhD SVB Commission is responsible for overseeing the quality control of all teaching and research activities of the Doctoral Program. It liaises with the Teaching Committee, the Doctoral School, and the Department Council.
It is composed of the Coordinator, two members of the Teaching Committee, two doctoral student representatives, and a member of the Academic Secretariat.
The composition of the Commission is proposed by the Committee and appointed by the Department Council.
Teachers
- Mauro Fasano (President)
- Tiziana Alberio
- Cristina Roseti
Students
Technical and administrative staff
The Advisory Committee plays a strategic role in ensuring the quality of the doctoral program, ensuring that the structure, content, and training activities meet high academic standards and best practices. Furthermore, it helps keep the program aligned with research trends, societal needs, and job market demands, ensuring that doctoral students develop skills that are useful both academically and professionally.
The composition of the Doctoral Program Advisory Committee has recently been expanded, consistent with the improvement measures identified during the review, to ensure greater representation of the various academic, scientific, and professional components.
Specifically, the Committee has been expanded to include alumni of the Program, faculty, and deans of master's degree programs that constitute the main access paths to the doctoral program, strengthening the connection between second- and third-level training and promoting a more effective identification of training needs.
The current composition of the Advisory Committee is as follows:
- Mauro Fasano (Coordinator of the Doctoral Course)
- Tiziana Rubino (LM Biomedical Sciences)
- Lorenzo Azzi (LCUDentistry and dental prosthetics)
- Silvia Sacchi (LM Biotechnology for the Bio-based and Health Industry)
Students
- Serena Valastro
- Angela Di Iacovo
External components
- Alessandra Colombini (IRCCS Galeazzi)
- Fabio Biondi (Diatech Pharmacogenetics)
- Gian Battista Chierchia (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
- Simone Olgiati (Merck Italia)
- Elisa Otra (Universidad Catòlica de Valencia San Vincente Màrtir)
Teachers of the College
For information
c/o Dipartimento di Medicina e Innovazione Tecnologica - DIMIT
Università degli Studi dell'Insubria
Via Guicciardini, 9 - 21100 Varese
Coordinatore: Prof. Mauro Fasano
E-mail: mauro.fasano@uninsubria.it