PhD Scholarships in Translational Medicine in Italy | Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna

The Ph.D. Programme in Translational Medicine is characterized by a significant multidisciplinary connotation, where the experimental approach focusing on cellular and subcellular mechanisms combines with the physiological and pathophysiological analysis of the organism as a whole. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration between experimental and clinical research, aimed at facilitating the translation of scientific results into novel or more efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A relevant component of the Programme is the research aimed at discovering and testing new therapeutic agents, which include traditional small molecules as well as nano-vectors, both synthetic and biological.

The Programme consists of the following 3 curricula:

• Systems Physiology and Pathophysiology, Experimental and Clinical.
• Molecular Physiology and Medicine.
• Drug Discovery.

Students will attend to their chosen project in laboratories of the School and associated institutions. In the course of the programme, they will be involved in a host of activities - from journal clubs, workshops and training sessions in communication skills to a full spectrum of lectures - being organized by faculty with a strong international representation. Participation in these activities is mandatory. The programme also includes the possibility of stages for complementary training in allied laboratories, inside or outside the country. Each trainee works under the supervision of a tutor, while the programme itself falls under the responsibility of a Faculty Board appointed by the School.

Selection of non-EU applicants is made on the basis of the research project being proposed for the programme, the academic record and reference letters from former supervisors. EU applicants, including Italian applicants, will take in addition an oral examination on the subject of their proposed research. Being a qualifying component of the application, the research proposal must fall within the areas selected for the call. Typically, its length should not exceed 10-12 pages, but needs to be sufficiently informative on the objective of the study, rationale, methodology, expected results, and general significance within the field.

Prospective applicants should hold, in the least, a four-year undergraduate degree. Applications may be prepared in Italian or English. Foreign applicants, whose native language is not English, must prove its knowledge with an appropriate certification or, alternatively, must have pursued prior academic activities in this language.