The program aims to train highly qualified professionals with strong technical and scientific expertise in both basic and applied research areas relevant to Engineering.
Its primary goal is to provide advanced training that fosters the development of specialized technical-scientific skills, while at the same time stimulating scientific curiosity, research aptitude, and continuous improvement of the current state of knowledge across different fields of engineering.
Through a balanced combination of diverse educational tools (courses and seminars held locally and at other institutions, international mobility, research activities using advanced investigative methods, participation in joint projects with researchers from other universities, and direct interaction with the faculty board), the program intends to form researchers capable of independently designing and managing technological innovation processes that are not strictly confined to narrow scientific domains.
The skills acquired enable PhD candidates to pursue careers in a wide range of professional fields: from basic and applied research to entrepreneurship, from project management to marketing and industrial process management, up to top-level positions in both academia and industry.
The differentiation of training paths is achieved through the establishment of distinct curricula, each aimed at achieving specific objectives:
C1: Civil and Environmental Engineering
This curriculum provides advanced training on topics such as land-use planning and management, soil protection, the design and construction of buildings in seismic areas, the development of special-purpose structures, energy efficiency improvement, prevention of environmental pollution and its effects on living organisms, and the optimization of waste and wastewater disposal techniques for both urban and industrial contexts.
C2: Information Engineering
The curriculum focuses on fostering and managing the continuous technological innovation that characterizes the Information and Communication Technology sector. It enables society to keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital technologies by providing advanced specialist training that complements prior academic preparation. Key areas include the optimization of telecommunication infrastructures and protocols, robotics and industrial automation, electromagnetic compatibility and disturbance prevention, automation of electrical and electronic measurements, management of IoT technologies, as well as the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques.
C3: Electrical Engineering
The primary goal of this curriculum is to develop advanced design, analytical, and management skills in systems, technologies, and methodologies within the field of electrical engineering. In particular, candidates will acquire in-depth expertise in research, analysis methodologies, experimental characterization, control and design of electrical machines and drives, electric traction (both road-based and rail-bound), management of sustainable energy electrical systems, and design of power electronic systems.
C4: Mechanical and Management Engineering
This curriculum is designed to provide strong expertise in mechanical design, as well as energy and environmental management. PhD candidates will gain the ability to operate in diverse areas such as mechanical design, planning, monitoring, and automation of production processes, robotics and industrial automation, management of environmental and energy-related challenges, technical-commercial roles, plant and machinery maintenance, as well as laboratory activities for measurement and certification.
C5: Environments and Technologies for Motor Activity and Health
This curriculum equips candidates with knowledge and skills for designing and implementing technological and methodological innovations in the field of physical and sports activities for individuals of different ages, including those with congenital or acquired physical and mental conditions, often chronic and impacting social participation in various life and work contexts. The program deepens understanding of biochemical, physiological, and pathophysiological mechanisms of major multifactorial diseases, aiming to promote and maintain health conditions and prevent both organic and psychological complications. Special attention is given to the development of electrical and electronic devices that analyze movement data influenced by postural defects, metabolic syndromes, and chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.