The PhD

Course Design

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.

Course Overview and Educational Aims

Goals

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.

Job Opportunities

The advanced training offered by the PhD programme allows for the doctoral students to acquire a highly competitive professional profile that can be applied in a variety of fields: academic and industrial research, development and innovation in chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental and biotech companies, public bodies and chemistry laboratories, as well as strategic roles in innovation management, technical-scientific consulting and the coordination of national and international projects. The PhD programme thus offers concrete career opportunities and active participation in the research and innovation ecosystem.

Other information

Brief history of the PhD programme at the Department of Chemical Sciences.

The PhD Program in Chemical Sciences at the University of Catania has a long-standing tradition, having been active since the very first PhD cycle in Italy (academic year 1983/84), following the establishment of doctoral studies under Italian law (D.P.R. 382/1980). Over the years, the program has continuously evolved to keep pace with advances in scientific research and changing societal needs. Today, it offers an advanced and multidisciplinary training path that combines experimental research, specialized courses, and seminars, with a strong international focus. All PhD candidates are required to spend a minimum of six months abroad at universities, companies, or public/private research institutions.

Thanks to research experiences in Catania and abroad, and opportunities to publish and present at high-profile international journals and conferences, our doctoral students develop a solid scientific background and forward-looking perspective. They are well-prepared to address complex challenges in academia, industry, and public administration. The success of the program is reflected in the prestigious positions held by many of our alumni in leading institutions in Italy and worldwide.

List of Coordinators of the PhD Program in Chemical Sciences