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The Doctoral Program in Geosciences at the University of Padova promotes internationally oriented research dedicated to studying the processes that shape and transform planet Earth, from its surface to its interior, across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.

Course objectives

The PhD in Geosciences aims to train highly qualified researchers capable of contributing independently and creatively to the advancement of knowledge within the broad and complex field of the Earth Sciences. The training pathway, clearly defined by the PhD Board, balances theoretical studies, field and laboratory activities, and numerical modeling through the use of advanced technologies. The doctoral Course places strong emphasis on multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity, and preparation for the international research environment.

Educational activities

The PhD program integrates both fundamental and applied approaches, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective. Research activities range from basic studies, aimed at understanding the fundamental processes of the Earth system, to applied investigations that provide tools to tackle crucial challenges facing our planet - marked by high hydraulic and geological vulnerability and significant seismic and volcanic risks.

PhD students are fully involved in research projects, within which they develop topics of personal interest with a high degree of autonomy, under the supervision of expert faculty members and with the approval of the Academic Board. The knowledge and skills acquired during the program will enable them to operate competently across a wide range of professional and scientific contexts.

In recent years, the assigned research projects have been characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity, in line with the methods and approaches of modern geosciences. Throughout the program, PhD candidates often face specific challenges that require either highly specialized analytical methodologies and techniques or collaborations with researchers from other disciplines (e.g., engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology). Most projects are designed to foster collaborations with Italian and international universities or public and private research institutions, in order to enhance the skills, expertise, and knowledge of individual doctoral students.

One of the distinctive strengths of the PhD in Geosciences is its strong commitment to multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and transdisciplinarity. This is reflected in the co-design of research activities with experts from related fields and participation in projects that integrate different approaches, methods, and scales of observation.

Such an approach enables PhD candidates to address complex problems with a broad and systemic vision.

- Requirements for the Individual Training Plan:

The PhD in Geosciences lasts three years and includes research activities, specialized and cross-disciplinary courses, methodological training, and the development of soft skills. The program structure encourages flexible and personalized learning paths, tailored to the specific features of each project.

The degree is awarded after earning at least 26 credits (156 hours) of coursework and attending a minimum of 12 seminars over the three years. While some courses are compulsory, each PhD student, in agreement with their supervisor, designs their own Individual Training Plan by selecting specific educational activities.

Research areas

The Doctoral Program in Geosciences carries out research activity involving the full breadth of the Earth Sciences through six main research areas:

1. Sediments, life, and climate through time;
2. Earth and planetary dynamics;
3. Natural resources, raw materials, and sustainability;
4. Archaeometry and geoarchaeology;
5. Geomorphological processes and landforms, geological hazards, and risks;
6. Geophysics

Professional profile

The knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired during the program will allow PhD graduates to work in public institutions, agencies, companies, and professional firms, as well as to continue their careers in academia and/or in public and private research institutes.

The most frequent career opportunities include:
° Universities and research institutes (Italian and international), including CNR, INGV, ISPRA, ENEA, with roles as postdocs, technologists, and researchers;
° Local public bodies (Regions, Municipalities, ARPA, River Basin Authorities, Civil Protection) active in land management, environmental planning, and natural hazard monitoring;
° National ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Superintendencies, museums, and cultural institutions;
° Extractive, energy, and environmental industries, including ENI, SNAM, ENEL, Vår Energi, or companies active in geothermal energy, mineral exploration, water resources management, and environmental monitoring;
° Professional firms and consulting firms in the fields of applied geology, geotechnics, hydrogeology, civil engineering, digital mapping, and geophysical surveys;
° Companies operating in cultural heritage diagnostics and materials sciences, where expertise in geomaterials, mineralogy, and petrography is applied;
° Freelance professionals, particularly in environmental geology and professional technical services.
A recent survey (May 2025) of PhD graduates trained in cycles XXXIII-XXXVII (58 in total) showed that 72% work as postdocs at Italian or foreign universities, 7% at research institutions, and a further 14% are employed by private companies or are self-employed. These data demonstrate a good match between educational objectives and job placement.

  Other information

• Calls and Admissions
• Administrative information
• The International PhD guide