In recent years, the evolution of biomedical knowledge and omics technologies has brought about a profound shift in the research and healthcare paradigm, fostering the emergence of Precision Medicine. This approach transcends the traditional, standardized model focused on the "average patient" and promotes the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on the integration of genetic, molecular, clinical, and environmental data.
In this context, the Doctorate in Precision Medicine aims to train highly qualified professionals capable of working in academic, clinical, and industrial settings, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The training program is characterized by a highly multidisciplinary approach, integrating skills in basic sciences, clinical medicine, advanced biotechnology, bioinformatics, and complex data analysis.
The Doctorate program is part of a rapidly evolving national and international scientific landscape, responding to the innovation needs of the healthcare and manufacturing systems, with particular focus on oncology, chronic degenerative diseases, and translational medicine. The program is designed to foster the acquisition of advanced methodological skills, research design and conduct, as well as scientific autonomy and critical thinking.
Special attention is paid to the integration of basic research and clinical applications, the valorization of research results and technology transfer, as well as the ethical training of doctoral students, in line with the principles of responsible and sustainable research. The program also involves interaction with national and international research networks, fostering mobility and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Educational and Research Activities
The Doctorate program promotes high-impact research projects in the fields of oncology, immunology, chemistry, genetics, and pharmacology, in both basic and clinical research. Topics include:
- Bioinformatics and biomedical informatics
- Omics sciences (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, interactomics)
- Identification of biomarkers and development of personalized drugs
- Investigation of molecular mechanisms of disease
- Innovative preclinical models and advanced diagnostic technologies.
PhD students will be able to learn and use cutting-edge tools such as:
- In vitro and in vivo imaging technologies
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Proteomics and nanotechnologies
- Interactomics
- Cellular diagnostics
- Innovative animal models (e.g., zebrafish)
- All technological platforms available to the UNITA confederation of European universities.
The program includes:
- Annual courses (3-4) and seminars (10-12), for a total of 48 hours/year, taught in English by faculty members and Italian and international guests
- Courses on emerging topics such as nanotechnologies applied to pharmacology and complex diseases, including oncology, genetics, and neurodegenerative diseases
- Active involvement of doctoral students in identifying and organizing technological courses.
In addition to scientific training, the program includes:
- Seminars on scientific communication and public speaking
- Writing scientific projects and articles
- Research dissemination and dissemination
- Interaction with companies and stakeholders
- Intellectual property, patents, and entrepreneurship (start-ups).
Mobility is strongly encouraged through research stays at Centers of Excellence in Italy and abroad, with the possibility of international and intersectoral scientific collaborations.
Active participation in international conferences and congresses is also encouraged, with the presentation of research results in the form of oral presentations or posters. These activities significantly contribute to the development of communication skills, engagement with the international scientific community, and the strengthening of collaboration and networking opportunities.
- Participation in summer schools, workshops, and theoretical-practical courses at the national and international level
- Journal Clubs in English, organized and led by students themselves, to foster critical discussion and interdisciplinary exchange
- Courses on gender issues and research ethics.
Language and teaching methods
All teaching activities will be delivered in English to foster internationalization and linguistic improvement of participants. The courses will be attended in person, with the possibility of online participation for students working abroad.