PhD Programs (A.Y. 2025/2026): The University of Milan is announcing a public selection for admission to its PhD programs for the Academic Year 2025/2026, commencing November 1, 2025. These programs aim to foster highly qualified researchers across various scientific and humanistic disciplines, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, international collaboration, and practical research experience. The selection process involves evaluation of qualifications and an interview.
Public Selection for Admission to PhD Programs – Academic Year 2025/2026
Designation: PhD Candidate/Doctoral Student
Table:
The following PhD programs are available:
| PhD Program Title | Duration | Start Date | Total Positions | Scholarships (University of Milan) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular and Cellular Biology | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 13 | 10 |
| Translational Medicine | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 16 | 14 |
| Multiscale Integrative Biology (MIB) | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 4 | 4 |
| Clinical Research | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 9 | 7 |
| Sciences of Literary, Artistic, and Environmental Heritage | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 7 | 7 |
| Nutritional Sciences | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 8 | 6 |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 9 | 7 |
| Pharmacological Biomolecular, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 19 | 16 |
| Veterinary and Animal Sciences | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 11 | 11 |
| Studies on Organized Crime | 3 years | November 1, 2025 | 4 | 4 |
Note: Additional scholarships may be available from external funding sources.
Research Area:
PhD programs cover a wide range of research areas, including but not limited to:
- Molecular and Cellular Biology: Biomolecular sciences, biotechnologies, study of complex biological problems in model organisms.
- Translational Medicine: Bridging laboratory research and clinical sciences, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, biological and clinical-behavioral discoveries.
- Multiscale Integrative Biology (MIB): Holistic approach to complex biological problems, quantitative study of biological phenomena, computational methodologies.
- Clinical Research: Causes and clinical-therapeutic management of diseases, application of research methodologies (randomized, observational, etc.), biological and genetic markers.
- Sciences of Literary, Artistic, and Environmental Heritage: Study of “text” (literature, art, environment) and its “context” (historical, environmental circumstances), classical and modern philology, linguistics, history, archaeology, art history, environmental humanities.
- Nutritional Sciences: Integrated multidisciplinary research in nutrition, human nutrition, diet therapy, nutraceuticals, food production, animal nutrition, food safety.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences: Design, synthesis, development, and control of new biologically active molecules, pharmaceutical forms, special foods, cosmetics, biocides, and medical devices.
- Pharmacological Biomolecular, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences: Basic research on physiopathological processes, applied research on active principles (drugs, supplements), development of innovative systems for disease study and drug development.
- Veterinary and Animal Sciences: Research in veterinary and zootechnical fields, biotechnologies, interdisciplinary research projects.
- Studies on Organized Crime: Highly specialized training on the complexity and importance of organized crime, sociological, historical, legal, and economic perspectives.
Specific research themes for each program are available on the University’s website.
Location:
University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy.
Some interviews may be held at specific departmental locations within Milan or Lodi, as indicated in the detailed program descriptions. Online interviews are also an option for those unable to attend in person.
Eligibility/Qualification:
Applicants must possess a master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale) or an equivalent foreign academic qualification (Master’s Degree). Students who have not yet obtained their master’s degree can apply but must acquire the required qualification by November 1, 2025. Specific master’s degree classes are required for certain PhD programs (e.g., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Multiscale Integrative Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacological Biomolecular, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research, Sciences of Literary, Artistic, and Environmental Heritage). For Translational Medicine, Nutritional Sciences, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, and Studies on Organized Crime, all master’s degree classes are eligible.
Job Description:
PhD candidates are expected to:
- Engage in full-time experimental research activities.
- Develop an individual research project under the supervision of a tutor.
- Contribute critically and proactively to their research, developing scientific and managerial autonomy.
- Study scientific literature, prepare their doctoral thesis, and contribute to scientific publications.
- Present seminars and participate in national and international conferences.
- Complete 1,500 hours of training and educational activities annually.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency at least at CEFR B2 level by the end of the first year (specific exemptions apply for certain English-language degrees or certifications).
- For public employees, eligibility for leave of absence for the duration of the course applies under specific conditions.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online through the University Portal by 14:00 on July 30, 2025.
- Register on the University Portal (if not already registered).
- Authenticate and submit the application through the “Servizio di ammissione dottorati di ricerca”.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of €50.00.
- Upload the following documents in .pdf, .rtf, or .jpg format (max 10MB per file):
- Diploma Supplement or certificates of Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees with exams, grades, and credits. (For graduating students, a certificate of enrollment with grades and credits).
- Curriculum vitae, including professional experience and other qualifications.
- Research project (following Model 1 provided in the call).
- Copy of passport (for international candidates only).
- Any scientific publications (in Italian or English).
- Attachment A.
- Optional request for online interview (following Model 3 provided in the call).
- Reference Letters: For some programs (Molecular and Cellular Biology, Nutritional Sciences, Pharmacological Biomolecular, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research, Multiscale Integrative Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences), one or two reference letters are required, to be sent directly by the referees to the specified email address for the chosen PhD program by the application deadline. (Model 2 is provided for this purpose).
Last Date for Apply:
July 30, 2025, at 14:00 (CEST).
