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PhD will be able to deal with the study of plant production, with multidisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies, both level of the plant itself, and of the interactions it has with the environment, with insects, microorganisms and with the various human activities.

• Plant Sector: study of the physiological basis of plant productivity through genetic, genomic and proteomic approaches
• Plant-microorganism and plant-environment interaction: role of microorganisms in establishing collaborative relationships with the plant, in particular symbiotic microorganisms and/or coenobionts of plant species of agricultural interest; antioxidant systems and mechanisms involved in adaptations to environmental stresses; interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, insects and plants.
• Plant-environment-man interaction: effect of human interventions on ecological balances; alternative and sustainable technologies; biological defense and supplemented by weeds, microorganisms, fungi and insects; microorganisms for the removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants; selection and genetic improvement of microorganisms for the valorisation of residual biomass through conversion into high-value products added (e.g. biofuels and bioplastics);

Course objectives

During the PhD course the student will have to:

1. acquire high-level skills through in-depth study of one of the research areas included in the course;
2. acquire methodologies and techniques for research and data analysis useful for one's field of study;
3. design and implement an original research;
4. engage in communication activities of one's results (e.g. through presentations at conferences and conventions and through publications scientific);
5. write a thesis and discuss it orally at the end of the three years.

For first and second year PhD students, the Course organizes every year, in addition to the on-site training activity, a Winter or Summer School whose aims are the deepening of the research topics of the doctorate and the development of "soft skills", in particular scientific communication both oral and written.
All teaching activities, on site and in the Winter School, are held in English.

Expected occupational and professional opportunities

The professional roles that are expected to be trained, in addition to those in the academic field, coincide with figures of highly qualified technicians differentiated in relation to the line of research followed, however the neo-doctors will have a solid general training which sees the cultivated plant as common element. Finally, for employment purposes, the launch of initiatives aimed at development is of particular importance
of autonomous professional activities, also linked to the organization of spin-off proposals or start-ups (highly innovative new companies).

  Other information

• PhD Programmes Calls and Admissions
• PhD Programmes
• The International PhD guide
• More informations