Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences

Our PhD programme in Chemical Sciences at the University of Catania offers an exceptional opportunity to deepen and broaden your scientific knowledge, building on the foundations established during your MSc. The programme focuses on the acquisition of advanced, interdisciplinary expertise in the three strategic areas of modern scientific research: Health, Energy and Environment - areas in which chemistry plays a central role. The aim of this PhD is to cultivate highly skilled researchers, equipped with a solid, forward-looking scientific culture, capable of addressing some of the most pressing challenges in both academia and the private sector, and aiming for highly competitive positions in the job market. Through a comprehensive training programme, our PhD students are encouraged to undertake independent research, allowing them to develop their own innovative projects while receiving the support and guidance necessary to excel.

The PhD in Chemical Sciences, lasting three years, is designed with a strong international orientation and an advanced educational structure that integrates experimental research activities, specialized courses, seminars, and opportunities for international mobility. The PhD Board is composed of faculty members from the Department of Chemical Sciences, the Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, and researchers from the National Research Council (Institute of Crystallography – CNR), ensuring a broad range of interdisciplinary expertise.

The educational program is structured in line with the guidelines of the AVA 3 system, aiming to promote the growth of PhD students as active members of the scientific community and enhance their autonomy in designing, conducting, and disseminating research and/or innovation. Continuous support from internal tutors is provided, and, where appropriate, external tutors are also involved. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in teaching and tutoring activities, provided they are compatible with their scientific commitments.

The course aims to strengthen scientific relationships at both the national and international levels and promote the production of original results, conducted directly by the PhD student, either individually or in collaboration. Adequate financial and structural resources, provided by the University, the relevant Departments, and/or faculty tutors, are ensured to support research activities.

The educational pathway follows a structured calendar of activities, including courses, seminars, and scientific events, planned for both quality and quantity. The competencies developed are aligned with the main clusters of Horizon Europe – Health; Climate, Energy, and Mobility; Food, Natural Resources, and Environment – and with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-Agenda 2030), offering a distinctive and competitive training in the national and international PhD landscape.

The PhD program in Chemical Sciences has established numerous ongoing international collaborations, which are organized into a variety of initiatives, including:

• Exchange programs for PhD students between partner institutions, aimed at enriching their educational experience and sharing research experiences.
• Exchange of faculty and researchers, intended to foster scientific interaction and academic cooperation at the international level.
• Joint organization of seminars, workshops, and scientific meetings, with the goal of promoting interdisciplinary discussion and keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in research.
• Joint supervision of PhD theses, fostering co-tutelle agreements.

Since 2022, the PhD in Chemical Sciences of the University of Catania participates in the European Doctorate PCAM, together with the Sicilian Science Cluster. For further information: https://www.pcam-doctorate.eu/network-partners/sicilian-science-cluster-2/

PhD candidates will be selected through an admission test based on their CV, a research project, and an interview. The selection call is issued annually by the Rector, typically in July-August (link to the website). The Rector, on the proposal of the PhD Board, appoints the admission committees for the PhD programs by official decree. Each PhD program begins on October 31 and lasts for three years. Candidates can apply for the PhD programs regardless of age and nationality, provided they hold a Master's degree or an equivalent foreign qualification by the application deadline. Alternatively, candidates who obtain the required degree by the deadline of October 31 of the same year may also be eligible, subject to successful selection. Candidates holding a foreign academic qualification that has not been declared equivalent to an Italian Master's degree at the time of publication of the selection call must submit a formal request for eligibility — solely for the purposes of PhD admission — according to the procedures outlined in the call. For further details, please contact the PhD Course Coordinator.

PhD students are strongly encouraged to spend at least six months at international research institutions. This opportunity is facilitated by the extensive collaborations between the members of the Board and prestigious institutions worldwide, as well as numerous cooperation agreements between the Department and foreign universities and research institutions. The main objectives of these international experiences are:

• Facilitating academic exchanges with partner universities.
• Developing joint research projects.
• Promoting the creation of scientific networks and collaborations.

PhD students are required to complete at least two courses: one selected from a list of specialized courses offered by PhD Board members, and the other taught by a foreign lecturer (seminars). The latter course is designed to broaden students' academic perspectives, provide exposure to international teaching methods, and enhance their transversal skills, which are essential for their academic and professional development. Typically, the course covers topics such as academic writing, including paper and project writing, and may also address other interdisciplinary subjects. These skills are crucial for fostering effective communication, collaboration, and research capabilities, preparing students to succeed in diverse academic and professional environments.

Starting from A.Y. 2025-26: at least 12 credits must be acquired by PhD students (from cycle XLI onwards) from a selection of specialised courses listed at the following LINK. Each of these courses corresponds to 3 CFU for a total of 12 hours of frontal teaching. In addition, each PhD student will also have to take at least one course on transversal skills (e.g. paper writing), which will be made available in the in-person and/or online training offer from the EUNICE course catalogue.