The PhD
Coordinator: Salvatore SCIRE'Duration: 3-years
The PhD Programme in Chemical Sciences at the University of Catania is a high-level doctoral training programme (EQF Level 8) aimed at preparing researchers capable of conducting original, advanced, and internationally competitive research.
The programme is designed in accordance with the AVA3 quality assurance framework (D.PHD.1–D.PHD.4), aligned with the University’s strategic objectives and with major national and European research priorities.
Strategic areas: Health – Energy – Environment
Course Overview and Educational Aims
Mission
The PhD programme aims to train highly qualified researchers capable of working in academic, industrial, and institutional environments. The training programme promotes:
- Integration between fundamental and applied research
- Internationalisation and scientific mobility
- Research ethics and Open Science principles
- Valorisation of research results and technology transfer
Educational Objectives
- Autonomy in the design and implementation of research projects
- Ability to produce original scientific results
- Skills in research project and data management
- Advanced scientific communication abilities
- Capacity to work in interdisciplinary environments
Structure of the Training Programme
The programme integrates several types of activities:
- Experimental and theoretical research carried out in advanced laboratories
- Specialised and transversal courses aimed at developing scientific and professional skills
- Seminars and workshops with nationally and internationally recognised scholars
- Activities dedicated to the development of transferable skills (soft skills) and the valorisation of research results
All PhD candidates are required to undertake a mandatory international mobility period of at least six months at universities, research centres, or companies, either in Italy or abroad. This experience fosters integration into international scientific networks and exposure to advanced research environments.
Job Opportunities
Career Opportunities
The PhD programme trains highly qualified researchers capable of working in academic institutions, research organizations, and industrial environments characterized by high scientific and technological intensity. Main career opportunities include:
- Researcher in universities and public or private research institutions
- Expert in applied research, innovation, and technology transfer
- Specialist in advanced scientific laboratories and research infrastructures
- Scientific consultant for policy development, standardization, and technological innovation
- Highly qualified professional in companies operating in the chemical, energy, environmental, and materials sectors
Throughout the programme, doctoral candidates develop advanced skills through research activities, participation in international conferences, and publication of results in high-impact scientific journals, gaining the expertise needed to operate in international scientific and technological environments.
Other information
Section Index
Brief History of the PhD Program in Chemical Sciences
The PhD Program in Chemical Sciences at the University of Catania has been active since the first doctoral cycle established in Italy (academic year 1983/1984), following the introduction of the PhD in the university system through D.P.R. 382/1980.
Over the years, the program has progressively consolidated and updated its educational and scientific project, in line with the international evolution of chemical research and the needs of the socio-economic system. The program is now recognized for its high-quality training and for its commitment to continuous improvement according to AVA3 principles.
PhD Coordinators in Chemical Sciences
The PhD program has been coordinated by:
- Prof. Mario Piattelli – Cycles I–III
- Prof. Enrico Rizzarelli – Cycles IV–VI
- Prof. Salvatore Fisichella – Cycles VII–IX
- Prof. Giuseppe Musumarra – Cycles X–XII
- Prof. Giuseppe Arena – Cycles XIII–XV
- Prof. Gaetano Tomaselli – Cycles XVI–XVIII
- Prof. Giovanni Marletta – Cycles XIX–XXI
- Prof. Corrado Tringali – Cycles XXII–XXIV
- Prof. Giuseppe Musumarra – Cycles XXV–XXVIII
- Prof. Roberto Purrello – Cycle XXIX
- Prof. Salvatore Sortino – Cycles XXX–XXXVIII
- Prof. Giuseppe Spoto – Cycles XXXIX–XL
- Prof. Salvatore Scirè – Cycle XLI – current
The continuity and quality of scientific coordination have been essential to the development and consolidation of the PhD program within the national and international landscape of chemical research training.
