phd sustainable development pavia

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Colorful research for a green future

Phd in sustainable development and climate change.

Discover a program in which several ideas and methods are perfectly integrated into a global vision.

Towards new models of sustainable development

The common goal of the universities participating in the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change is to build a learning and research community capable of promoting innovative solutions, which are essential to solve even the most complex problems of our society. ‍ We go beyond the purely environmental aspect by embracing themes and sectors that, each in their own way, are having an impact on the planet.

The 6 Curricula of the PhD

Earth system and environment.

Earth system processes and new perspectives in environmental development

Socio-economic risks and impacts

Transition towards a decarbonized and sustainable economy

Technology and Territory

Technologies, systems and approaches for the sustainable transition of communities, territories, and production processes

Theories, Institutions, and Cultures

Cognitive and practical challenges posed by sustainability and climate change at an individual, institutional, and global level

Agriculture and Forestry

Innovative models for resilient and sustainable agri-food and forestry systems

Health and Ecosystems

Climate and global health impacts, from ecosystems to humans

3 Core values of our research

We aim to spread knowledge and to create talents capable of contributing to just and innovative society, in harmony with the planet.

We believe that sustainability is a challenge that should be faced through a plurality of perspectives. That’s why we created an inter-university and multi-disciplinary educational roadmap.

Responsibility

We enable future generations to understand the evolution of the climate. We also design and implement new solutions for a sustainable society.

A network of fully interconnected public and private research centers

A network of public and private research centers fully interconnected

PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate change (SDC): two scholarships at DICA and DENG

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PhD program in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (Course venue: IUSS Pavia) Science

Xxxvii cycle - a. y. 2021/2022.

Scientific areas

Description.

The course is activated by the IUSS Pavia in agreement with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and other 28 Italian Universities. For the XXXVII cycle, the administrative office is the IUSS Pavia. Students will be enrolled by the administrative office, that will issue the call for admission to the PhD and will carry out selection procedure. Students will be placed in the research groups of the partner Universities according to the seat of the supervisor (tutor) that will be assigned by the Faculty Board. The referent of the course for the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is prof.ssa Grazia Ghermandi . Further information is available from the abovementioned website of the IUSS Pavia.

Announcement

» Call for admission and changes

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Based on a rigorous selection process, applications are processed normally once a year. The admissions will be open in June or July 2024 (please refer to the Calls).

More documentation

How to apply for the PhD Programmes (pdf)

How to apply for the Italian National PhD Program in Religious Studies (pdf)

Please complete the application form and submit it electronically following the application guide. A non-returnable administrative fee of 25 € will be charged. The decision on admission as well as on financial support is published on the web.

PhD Certificates and Self-certifications

PhD original diploma (Parchment)

Contact office

For further information please contact: PhD Office via Università, 4 - 41121 Modena e-mail: [email protected] » Opening hours (italian only)

• PhD programs
• Calls – a. y. 2024/25
• Information for PhD students

PhD program in Earth and Environmental Sciences

The institution.

The University of Pavia, founded in 1361, is one of the world’s oldest academic institutions. Today almost 24,000 students, from both Italy and overseas, study at our University. Pavia, as a city-campus, offers students a unique experience in Italy and rare in Europe: to stay at one of 20 University colleges. Pavia is a city in northern Italy with 70,000 inhabitants located 30 km south of Milan, connected by regional and suburban trains every 10 minutes. Life in Pavia is both pleasant and affordable, particularly in comparison with much higher housing and living costs in Milan and other urban centres in Lombardy. Pavia’s campus offers a unique university experience to students who can enjoy countless events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts and sport activities, at all levels.

The program

The central topic of the Ph.D. in Earth and Environment Sciences is the study of the Earth’s system in its biotic and abiotic components.

Our Ph.D. program is aimed to acquire highly qualified scientific competences in all the areas of the Earth and Natural Sciences. Through a wide network of international collaborations with universities, research institutions and companies, our PhD students can develop their own research.

Ph.D. students are expected to combine research activities with attendance to advanced courses held by faculty members and international speakers. Yearly, one-two Summer / Winter Schools are planned, about geological and/or environmental major topics. Once a year, a Ph.D. Congress is organised, in order to allow Ph.D. students to communicate their research to undergraduate students, young researchers and professors. All the activities, including the Ph.D. thesis, are in English.

Ph.D. students have access, among other facilities, to an ERC-funded experimental mineralogy laboratory , a LIFE-funded inland waters laboratory , a Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry laboratory ,a seed bank in the historical Botanic Garden.

Research topics: http://phd-dsta.unipv.it/research-projects-36th-series/

Education: http://phd-dsta.unipv.it/education/courses/

Coordinator of the PhD program: Prof. Riccardo Tribuzio

PhD program website

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Are you interested in conducting innovative research that will shape the future of our planet? Now is the perfect time! Applications are officially open for the prestigious PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change. This is a unique opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research at top Italian academic institutions, collaborating with researchers from around the world. Don’t miss the chance to join a rapidly growing community.

A Research Program for a Sustainable Future

The PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change seamlessly integrates ideas and methods related to the environment, society, technology, economy, and health into a global vision, aiming to develop a better future. The network of public and private research centers, coordinated by IUSS Pavia, offers a multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary program focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda.

Are You Ready to Be Part of the Future?

How to apply:.

• Information and details on how to apply can be found here .
• Apply now on PICA .

For more information, visit the dedicated IUSS Pavia page on our website or contact us via email at [email protected] .

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Become part of our research program and help shape a sustainable future. Apply by July 26, 2024!

For more details, visit our website: https://www.phd-sdc.it/

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Ph.D. in Sustainable Development Policy, Economics and Governance

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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The Sustainable Development Policy, Economics and Governance (SDPEG) Ph.D. program offers a transdisciplinary doctoral education in the policies, practices and theories of sustainable development. By offering a core curriculum that includes applied policy and economic analysis, governance and process design, social science methods, and professional skills development, the program produces graduates capable of conducting original, applied research that is designed to support sustainability and resiliency across social, ecological, and technical systems. 

This degree will prepare students to assume positions as policy leaders in government, higher education, public and private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations, and research institutes with the expertise and vision to inform local, state, national, and international policy.  

Asim Zia, Director and Professor of Public Policy and Computer Science

Travis Reynolds, Associate Professor

Dan Tobin, Associate Professor

Trisha Shrum, Assistant Professor

David Conner, Professor

Josh Farley, Professor

Sarah Heiss, Associate Professor

Qingbin Wang, Professor

Anaka Aiyar, Assistant Professor

Joe Ament, Assistant Professor

Kate Mays, Assistant Professor

Benjamin Dangl, Lecturer

Edward McMahon, Adjunct Associate Professor

Pablo Bose, Professor

Stephanie Seguino, Professor Emerita

Gregory Rowangould, Associate Professor

Donna Ramirez-Harrington, Associate Professor

Brian Beckage, Professor

Elizabeth Doran, Research Assistant Professor

Jane Kolodinsky, Professor Emerita

Christopher Koliba, Professor Emeritus

Kelsey Gleason, Assistant Professor

Dana Rowangould, Assistant Professor

Degree Requirements

Milestones, guidelines and timeline to degree completion.

Minimum Degree Requirements

The degree requires a total of 75 credits. A minimum of 51 credits must be completed in residence. The residency requirement is completed by courses that:

1. are taken for graduate credit through the University of Vermont, and

2. are taken after the student has been admitted to the Graduate College.

The program’s course of study includes: 

1. 15-credit core 2. Up to 24 transfer credits from prior master’s degree (12 out of 24 transferable credits must meet pre-requisite requirements in statistical methods, research methodology, economics and policy process theory) 3. 15 credits of a pre-approved Certificate of Graduate Study or a customized sequence of advisor-approved graduate level elective courses 4. 21 dissertation research credits

15 credit core includes:

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Students will advance to candidacy following completion of the core curriculum, passage of a written and oral comprehensive exam, passage of the written dissertation and oral dissertation defense exam, and acquisition of teaching experience in the field of sustainable development policy, economics and governance. A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

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Admissions Information

Applications for fall 2025 are due January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed after that date.

Admission will be contingent upon funding and alignment of research interests with faculty that are accepting students.

Application can be accessed here .

Admissions Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, natural resources, engineering, ecology, food systems, political science or a closely related field, including social sciences, professional fields, and STEM
• Completion of graduate level course in statistical methods (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Completion of graduate level course in research methodology (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Completion of graduate level course in economics (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Completion of graduate level course in policy process theory (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
• In the application Statement of Purpose, please identify 1 to 2 potential advisers from the SDPEG faculty list.
• Applicants must submit evidence of experience and success in the research process such as writing sample(s), and/or evidence of research experience(s) (e.g., theses, term papers, class projects, research reports and/or other descriptions of past research experience from academic or professional lives).
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional.
• For international students whose native language is not English or who have not completed undergraduate or master’s degrees in English, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo must be submitted.

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Doctorate in Sustainability – PhD (Online)*

Career paths, residencies.

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Tuition & Fees

Emerge as an innovative leader in the field of sustainability to address socio-ecological resilience, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, environmental policy, economic justice, and more.

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Portugal, Tanzania

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

Development & Inequality

Program Cost

Why a phd in sustainability from sit.

Developed for professionals working to create a more sustainable future, PhD in Sustainability students will investigate the social, ecological, technical, and political dimensions of sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel and inclusive approaches to community-based problem solving and sustainable development.

This online program is complemented by two 10-day international residencies across four years of part-time study. During the first-year residency, students will immerse themselves in Lisbon, Portugal, a beacon of progress in renewable energy innovation, marine conservation, and sustainability. During the second-year residency, students transition from theory to hands-on exploration through unique case studies in Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives.

Students will develop skills in research, organizational leadership, policy development, and communication in order to contribute to climate change mitigation, advocate for social equity, and innovate sustainable business practices for economic prosperity. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead multi-stakeholder groups as they will be effective communicators in policy circles, academic and organizational contexts, and in popular science.  

SIT’s global faculty bring experience in both teaching and mentorship and applied work in many facets of sustainability, from integrative conservation, climate change, food security, environmental governance, and sustainable business and technology. With SIT’s global network and long history of experiential learning, students will gain a unique global perspective they can apply to their careers.

This program is ideal for professionals enthusiastic about producing evidence-based analysis to investigate the social and ecological dimensions of sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel and inclusive approaches to community-based problem solving and sustainable development. Career paths may include:

Climate and environment analyst

Lead sustainability designer or director

Energy policy advisor

Regenerative systems specialist

Green tech innovator

Sustainability curriculum designer

University faculty

Leadership and research roles in academic, government, NGO, and business

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

First-Year Residency: Lisbon, Portugal

A beacon of progress in renewable energy innovation, marine conservation, and sustainability, Portugal offers a vibrant environment of breathtaking coastlines and majestic mountainous regions that will serve as your classroom. During this 10-day residency, students will explore and contribute to areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy innovations, and sustainable agriculture practices.

The program base, Lisbon, received the 2020 European Green Capital Award. The city surpassed its 2030 target for carbon emissions reduction in 2016 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Second-Year Residency: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Transition from theory to hands-on exploration through case studies in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives. This 10-day residency serves as a cornerstone for grounding the program themes and tools in real-world applications, where your research becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change.

Go beyond the classroom to contribute to solutions for sustainability challenges, particularly related to food production and tourism in the face of climate change. Visit key sites and interact with stakeholders to gain valuable insights into local sustainability practices and challenges. Beyond the local context, this experience extends to a global perspective as participants compare their Zanzibar experiences against similar cases worldwide.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in Sustainability, students will be able to:

• Conduct groundbreaking transdisciplinary research that cuts across systems thinking, sustainability studies, and social action.
• Design effective and successful project solutions that lead to inclusive, tenable results for the flourishing of human livelihoods and ecosystems at different spatiotemporal scales.
• Contribute to an emerging body of research and action that redefines mainstream environmental thought guided by contemporary, alternative conservation epistemologies.
• Lead organizations and initiatives in the creation and implementation of sustainable and regenerative systems that satisfy human and ecosystem needs.
• Design and carry out original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
• Contribute to scholarship and practice of the field through publishable research findings.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study in small personalized cohorts. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework during admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

This is SIT

• We value active togetherness, reciprocity, and respect as the essential ingredients for building a sustainable community .

• With open minds, empathy, and courage, we facilitate intercultural understanding and respect for the commonalities and differences between people.
• We champion social inclusion & justice in all that we are and all that we do, from ensuring our community and our programs amplify the voices, agency, and dignity of all people to deliberately instilling the principles and practices of inclusion in all of our work.
• We are committed to human and environmental well-being through sustainability and contributing to a better world for all living and future generations.
• Elective (3 credits; or 3 approved transfer credits)
• Perspectives on Sustainability (3 credits)

In this course, students will delve into the foundational bodies of theory that underpin both research and practical applications of sustainability approaches. This course provides the theoretical background for the discussion and analysis of sustainability issues that range from energy and natural resources to biodiversity and global climate change. Core concepts of the course include social-ecological systems thinking, vulnerability, resilience, regenerative development, policy, and communication in the context of sustainability.

Central to the course is the interconnectedness of sustainability issues across different scales and systems. Students will gain insights into how communities, governments, organizations, social movements, private corporations, and individuals can collectively address the looming threats to sustainability. The exploration of sustainability topics spans a wide array of perspectives, fostering adaptability in addressing the complex task of reshaping human society and its relationship with nature and technology. The overarching goal is to guide individuals towards more sustainable patterns in ecological, social, political, and economic relations while preparing them to be effective communicators of hope throughout their graduate degree and beyond.

• Social-Ecological-Technical-Political Systems and Integration (3 credits)

This course provides the theoretical background for the use and application of complex systems thinking and decision making for sustainability. The course content draws on diverse fields and spheres, including the social sciences, ecological systems, and technology, with a focus on how these spheres overlap, interact, and how we may further bring them together. Core concepts of the course include social-ecological systems thinking, supply-chain and networks analysis, and ethics and social justice in the context of sustainability. Students will examine interrelationships among natural, societal, economic, technological and political systems on multiple scales, and learn to identify problems and conceptualize solutions using systems thinking.

• Integrative Biodiversity Conservation (3 credits)

In this course, students will examine past and current environmental conservation theories, paradigms, approaches, and practices that explore and weigh 1) the challenges and successes of resource conservation on multiple scales, 2) the role of carbon in current and future management of ecological systems, 3) the emergence of environmental governance, and 4) ecological restoration and its potential impacts on human flourishing. Holistic in its approach, the course focuses on the relationships, nuances, and sacrifices involved in balancing human use of natural resources and the maintenance and regeneration of ecological health. The course will also draw on theories and concepts from the pluriverse, environmental psychology, and notions of the inseparable duality of the human-nature mosaic.

• Case studies in Climate Change and Sustainability (3 credits)

Societies in developing countries depend on ecosystem goods and services for their livelihoods. Climate change impacts have damaged the integrity of ecosystems and placed stresses on residents’ livelihoods, public institutions, and businesses. This Praxis course addresses climate change impacts and sustainable practices in the tropics and, furthermore, shows that sustainability is a key factor of the development process. The idea of sustainability emerged in response to growing concerns about the apparent failure of conventional, state-led “development” initiatives and about the extent and pace of socio-environmental degradation, including in African settings. In general, a practice is sustainable and resilient when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, while not further undermining the natural resource base and its multi-sectoral linkages.

This 10-day course takes place in the Zanzibar Archipelago, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa. The course addresses three specific cases by experiencing examples and putting theory and skills into practice where Africa meets the Indian Ocean. During the stay in Zanzibar, we also visit key sites and meet with stakeholders about sustainability practices and challenges, for instance as linked to food production and tourism in an era of climate change. Experiences and applications in Zanzibar are compared against global cases. This course grounds doctoral program themes and tools with on-the-ground experiences and applications in the Global South.

• Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal.

• Analytical Tools and Methods in Sustainability Studies (3 credits)

Sustainability assessment balances environmental, social, and economic impacts while respecting contextual and long-term risks. This Research Methods course provides a critical and systematic review of qualitative and quantitative, but primarily mixed methods, approaches to sustainability. Previous comprehension of baseline qualitative and quantitative methods is expected of students. The course also introduces and applies diverse analytical tools essential to the assessment of sustainability cases and outcomes. A broad comprehension of disciplines, scales (space and time), data types, metrics, indicators, and the strengths and limitations of specific paradigms and approaches informs the course and its content. Sustainability evaluations can impact policy and decision-making in both natural/physical and social spheres. Enhanced livelihoods and environmental conservation and social development can result from improved scientific and technical applications that assess the synergies and tradeoffs of sustainability outcomes.

• Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

• Comprehensive Exam (0 credits)

Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research. Comprehensive exams confirm students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

• Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1 (1 credit)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations.  Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their degree chair to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

• Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured, well-developed, and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: The student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: The proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

• Dissertation (5 credits)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts two years.

• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 2 (1 credit)
• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 3 (1 credit)
• Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 4 (1 credit)
• Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course, students will complete their dissertation, prepare for their oral defense. working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

Students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s course offerings in the master’s or PhD programs.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in Sustainability, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
• Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
• All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• resume or curriculum vitae
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 750 words and should demonstrates your interest in the PhD in Sustainability at SIT; describe how your prior academic and/or professional experience have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and proposes your research topic and guiding question(s) and their significance to the field. You will be prompted to provide contact information for three references who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least one should know you in an academic capacity.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program. 

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

Faculty & Staff

Sustainability – phd (online)*.

Discover the Possibilities

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

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National PhD Programmes

• Indietro National PhD Programmes

Versione italiana

The University of Padua is the administrative site of the  national PhD Programme:

• Scientific, Technological and Social Methods Enabling Circular Economy
• Technologies for fundamental research in Physics and Astrophysic

The University of Padua is also a partner in the setting up of doctorates of national interest provided for by MD 226/21 in which leading Italian universities and important research institutions are involved.

In each national doctorate, the University of Padua has awarded at least one topic-related doctoral scholarship from the funds of MD 629/2024 and MD 630/2024 or fully funded the scholarship.

The selection procedures are active at the administrative offices of national doctoral programmes.

  National PhD Programmes

Autonomous Systems (DAuSy) Polytechnic University of Bari http://dausy.poliba.it/phd/

Biodiversity University of Palermo https://www.unipa.it/didattica/dottorati/dottorato-xxxix/bando-di-accesso-ciclo-39---biodiversity/

Catalysis University of Perugia https://www.dcbb.unipg.it/en/catalisi/2-uncategorised/1327-phd-in-catalysis

Heritage Science Sapienza University of Rome https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/NATIONAL-PHD-IN-IN-HERITAGE-SCIENCE_nD3864_EN.aspx

Artificial Intelligence  Polytechnic University of Turin https://www.polito.it/en/education/phd-programmes-and-postgraduate-school/phd-programmes/artificial-intelligence

Life course research University of Florence https://www.unifi.it/p12401.html

One Health approaches to infectious diseases and life science research University of Pavia https://spmsf.dip.unipv.it/it/didattica/post-laurea/dottorati-di-ricerca/phd-one-health

Earth observation Sapienza University of Rome https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/NATIONAL-PHD-COURSE-IN-EARTH-OBSERVATION_nD3862_EN.aspx

Peace Studies Sapienza University of Rome https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/NATIONAL-PHD-IN-PEACE-STUDIES_nD4085_EN.aspx

Polar Sciences University Ca’ Foscari of Venice https://www.unive.it/web/en/182/home  

Photovoltaics University of Salerno https://corsi.unisa.it/photovoltaics/en/home

Photo induced Processes and Technologies University of Perugia https://www.dcbb.unipg.it/dottorato-di-ricerca-di-interesse-nazionale-in-processi-e-tecnologie-fotoindotti

The new public administration: data and human resources University of Milan-Bicocca https://en.unimib.it/education/postgraduates/doctoral-research-phd-programmes/phd-programmes/new-public-administration-data-and-human-resources  

RNA therapeutics and gene therapy University of Naples Federico II https://www.farmacia.unina.it/en_GB/dottorato-di-ricerca/rna-therapeutics-and-gene-therapy/presentazione

Robotics and Intelligent Machines University of Genoa https://drim.i-rim.it/en/

Kinesiology and Sport Sciences University of Verona https://www.corsi.univr.it/?ent=cs&id=1137&menu=home&lang=en

Space Science and Technology (SST) University of Trento https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/107285/national-phd-program-in-space-science-and-technology-sst

Sustainable Development and Climate change IUSS Pavia https://www.iusspavia.it/it/phd-sdc

Teaching & learning sciences: inclusion, technologies, educational research and evaluation University of Macerata https://www.unimc.it/en/courses/phd-programmes/cyclexxxvii

  Associate PhD

Risorse per la nuova PA: persone e dati Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca https://www.unimib.it/didattica/offerta-formativa/dottorato-ricerca/corsi-dottorato/risorse-nuova-pa-persone-e-dat i

Doctoral Degrees - PhD Office

On 6 and 7 August the PhD Office does not receive in person, it can only be reached via email or telephone

via Martiri della Libertà, 8 - 35137 Ground mail: via 8 febbraio 2 - 35122 Padova tel. +39 049 827 8978 e-mail: [email protected] Telegram channel

Public opening hours: Monday: 10-13, Tuesday 10–13 and 15–16.30, Wednesday: 10–13, Thursday: 10–15, Friday: 10-13

NOTICE We recommend accessing the front office preferably by reservation, by booking an appointment at the following link  https://web.unipd.it/prenotazionidottorato/ and following the instructions on the screen.

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