International Doctorate in Physics

Coordinator: Prof. Paolo Lenisa

Educational Objectives

The PhD program in Physics aims to train the next generation of researchers by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to excel in the scientific field at an international level. Through a comprehensive training approach, PhD candidates will develop a deep understanding of the scientific method and acquire essential competencies.

  • Advanced training: development of skills in complex problem solving and data analysis.
  • Practical skills: management and design of advanced instrumentation and computational software, essential for both experimental and theoretical research.
  • Teamwork and independence: ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, both in academic and industrial environments.
  • Communication and outreach: specific training on soft skills and on effectively communicating research findings to the scientific community and the general public.

Research Topics

Astrophysics and Cosmology: participation in international space missions (Euclid, LiteBIRD, LSPE) aimed at understanding the accelerated expansion of the universe, gravity, dark energy, and dark matter, development of X-ray and gamma-ray sensors at the LARIX facility.

Applied Physics in Health, Environment, and Energy: applications of physics technologies in biomedical fields, development of new generation X-ray sensors with ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution; remote and proximal monitoring using drones, experimental aircraft, and AI-based analysis software; development of energy-autonomous systems.

Condensed Matter Physics: design and fabrication of devices based on semiconductor materials for applications in gas sensing and photovoltaic conversion, studies on the characterization of nanostructured magnetic systems.

Fundamental Interactions Physics: study of the fundamental constituents of matter through particle accelerator experiments (LHCb, BESIII), underground physics experiments for neutrino research (JUNO, DUNE) and dark matter (Xenon), development of new particle detectors.

Theoretical Physics: participation in national and international collaborations related to astrophysics, cosmology, medical physics, particle physics, and theoretical astrophysics.

These disciplines are complemented by computational physics activities and the development of advanced scientific computing technologies, from big data analytics to quantum computing.

The educational offer and opportunities are enriched by collaboration with prestigious research institutions (INFN, INAF, FBK, IHEP, CERN, FermiLab, JeffersonLab, Juelich, FAIR, ASI, CNR, INAF) and companies (SACMI Imola SC, See Through Srl, GeoExplorer Impresa Sociale Srl, MEEO Srl), which have co-funded numerous PhD scholarships in recent years.

A longstanding agreement enables the awarding of a dual PhD degree in Physics with the Polish Academy of Science - Institute of Nuclear Physics (IFJ PAN).

Training Program

The PhD program lasts 3 years and is planned in collaboration with the supervisor, including research activities, scientific dissemination, research ethics, and technology transfer. PhD candidates are encouraged to participate in university teaching through tutoring and teaching support activities, as well as in third mission activities.

To further promote scientific, cultural, and professional growth, the program encourages participation in international projects, including collaborations with foreign institutions, study visits abroad, and exchanges with other universities.

During the first two years, in synergy with IUSS, the doctoral program offers transversal and interdisciplinary training alongside specific disciplinary training through more than 30 advanced courses taught by expert faculty from the University of Ferrara as well as other universities and research institutions. This is complemented by a rich program of seminars held both in-person and remotely. In the second and third years, the focus is primarily on research activities, encouraging participation in workshops and conferences and the publication of research results.

At the end of each year, after earning 60 CFU, PhD candidates present their research progress in a public seminar as part of the admission exam for the following year. Upon completion of the program, the candidate prepares a Thesis which is defended before a committee appointed for the final exam.

Training acivities organized by IUSS

Career Opportunities

The PhD program in Physics aims to train versatile researchers, ready to contribute to both fundamental and applied research in academic, industrial, and other sectors. Our graduates find opportunities in fields such as economics (econophysics), biomedicine, and environmental sciences, thanks to their skills in Big Data analysis and management, increasingly in demand in a world producing unprecedented amounts of data. Collaboration between our program and various public and private sector entities fosters a valuable exchange of skills, further enriching the professional prospects of our PhD candidates by integrating academic research with practical applications in the productive and social fabric.

Academic Board

Professors and Researchers of University of Ferrara

Professors and Researchers of other Universities

Non-academic staff employed by Italian or foreign institutions and Professors at foreign universities

PhD Students

Representative of PhD students: Dott. Manuele Maistrello

Discover the complete list of PhD Students in Physics

Admission Requirements

Admission to the PhD program is through a public selection process based on the evaluation of qualifications and an interview. The oral exam is conducted following the assessment of the candidate’s curriculum vitae and submitted qualifications.

Candidates of any age and nationality may apply, provided they meet one of the following requirements:

a) a Master’s Degree, or a degree awarded under the previous regulations according to Ministerial Decree 3 November 1999, no. 509, as amended by Ministerial Decree 22 October 2004, no. 270, or equivalent second-level academic qualifications;

b) a foreign academic qualification recognized as equivalent to those listed in point a);

c) an equivalent academic qualification obtained abroad, provided it is comparable in duration, level, and, where applicable, field of study to the qualifications in point a) and deemed suitable.

Enrollement

For information on how to apply for the PhD program, visit the dedicated page