The PhD program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science equips students with advanced research techniques and methodologies central to contemporary neuroscience and cognitive science. Students develop interdisciplinary skills to independently design research and intervention projects, analyze data by integrating methods from psychology, neurology, and biochemistry, and generate impactful research outcomes. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting mobility and international engagement by involving students in the broad scientific community. Students receive intensive training through high-level courses and seminars led by experts, offering direct exposure to cutting-edge research. Each student follows a personalized study and research plan under the guidance of a supervisor. The PhD thesis, as the final step of students’ training, serves as the ultimate demonstration of their expertise and independence, requiring sustained effort and focus throughout the three-year program.
The educational objectives of the course are diverse yet interconnected. Students will acquire interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary skills and knowledge through the educational activities of the PhD program. An individual learning and research plan will be developed by the student in collaboration with their assigned supervisor. Students will enhance their independent critical analysis skills of scientific literature, with support from teaching activities in the Mind & Brain cluster.
Additionally, they will develop the competencies needed to independently design research and intervention projects, manage data collection by integrating various quantitative analysis methods, evaluate results, propose technological and clinical innovations, and effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. This goal is supported by courses in the Methods & Assessment and Ethics in Research clusters.
Furthermore, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the scientific and public communication of research findings. To support this, the PhD program offers lectures and practical exercises as part of the Communicating and Publishing Results cluster. The PhD program also promotes internationalization through mobility initiatives (such as the Erasmus+ program and Doctor Europeaus), participation in internationally focused seminars, and collaboration with co-supervisors from other universities.
The PhD program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science prepares graduates for advanced professional roles in fields like psychology, neurology, and biochemistry. Graduates can work as experts in public and private research centers, industry, and healthcare. Students are also trained to develop experimental technologies in neuroscience and cognitive science, with applications in clinical research and rehabilitation. Additionally, they receive training to work in education (especially in areas related to disabilities and both typical and atypical development), and to contribute to evidence-based policy-making in public administration and the nonprofit sector.
According to data from 2019-2021 (AlmaLaurea), over 75% of students completing their PhD found employment. An internal follow-up monitoring of the three subsequent PhD cohorts (cycles XXXII–XXXIV, which completed the program in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively) tracked the employment of former PhD students until mid-2023. This monitoring revealed that 100% of former students had secured a job within two years of completing their PhD. Specifically, 20% were employed in academia, 13.3% in education outside academia, 40% in corporate research and development, 13.3% were self-employed, and 13.3% were employed in the national healthcare system.