PhD in Chemistry

The research topics include all areas of chemistry, from computational chemistry (e.g., modelling of molecular materials, computational photochemistry and photophysics, spectroscopy), to physical chemistry (e.g. study of solid state and liquid crystals), electrochemistry (e.g. electrochemistry of molecular materials and for energy, electrochemical analysis techniques), photochemistry (e.g. systems for energy conversion, photoreactive materials, sensors and luminescent tracers), study of polymers (e.g. production of polymeric materials for biomedical applications), analytical sciences (e.g. analytical methods based on advanced separative techniques, bioanalytical, environmental and cultural heritage chemistry, biosensors), organic chemistry (e.g. chemistry of radicals and host-guest systems, organic synthesis, synthesis by enzymatic catalysis, development of materials and methods for "Green Chemistry"), structural and solid state chemistry (e.g. "Crystal Engineering", development of materials for biomedical applications, synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials), and molecular spectroscopy (e.g. Raman, electron and rotational spectroscopy). For many topics, the research has important multidisciplinary implications, in particular as concerned nanotechnological and biomedical applications.

NRRP Call - Further PhD Positions
Appointed by RD 952/2022 Prot. n. 0357333 of 02/12/2022

Commissione Bando PNRR
Appointed by RD 1103/2022 Prot. n. 0162873 of 17/07/2022

* The following shall take part in the work of the Examination Board as expert members for positions linked to specific research topics:

• Roberto Baruchello - MG SpA
• Hiroshi Yoshida - Hitachi High Technology
• Paolo Goi - Davines SpA
• Davide Collini - B-Plas Srl
• Gianluca Sborzacchi - Aroma System Srl
• Roberto Aureli - Alchemy Srl
• Elena Marasco - Personal Genomics Srl
•  Maurizio Biso - Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy SpA

Call for Application Admission Board
Appointed by RD 830/2022 Prot. n. 0127511 of 30/05/2022

The PhD programme in Chemistry aims to train highly qualified professional subjects, able to organize and manage research activities in Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, as well as in other sectors in which chemistry plays a significant  role. Attention will be devoted to the multidisciplinary aspects of the research and to its integration with related disciplines (e.g., Physics, Biochemistry, Engineering), in order to stimulate creative thinking and originality. The educational objectives of the PhD programme also include the achievement of skills relating to the organization and management of the research, the presentation and discussion of the results, the writing of reports and scientific publications, the study of issues related to intellectual property and technology transfer . The PhD programme is divided into two curricula that share the general training objectives listed above but differ in  the final purposes of the research activities. 

The main activity of the PhD student in Chemistry is the research activity, conducted in University laboratories or in Research Institutions in agreement with the University of Bologna, and consisting of laboratory activity with access to instrumentations of various levels of complexity. The experimental research activities involve the use of advanced scientific instrumentation, including large equipments centrally managed by the Departments and may require access to instruments operated by national and international agencies (e.g., synchrotron, high-performance computing processors, etc.). In parallel to the experimental research activities, the PhD students will also undertake documentation and bibliographic searches using the material available in the libraries of the Departments or accessed online through the computer facilities and/or the University Library System. The training activities take place at different levels and are organized according to content (basic courses and advanced courses on a multiple choice basis, courses chosen between those offered in University degree courses or second-level University masters). In addition, PhD students are required to attend at seminars and workshops, as well as to national and international schools and conferences.

The research training activities of the PhD students are organized at different levels according to their content. In the PhD Programme both basic teachings and courses dealing with specific topics related to the various research fields are organized. In the three-year PhD period the student must acquire at least 13 CFUs, preferably attending the courses offered by the doctoral programme. In addition, the student can choose teachings offered by other PhD Schools, by other degree courses or by second-level masters within the university. All courses have some kind of final assessment.
PhD students are expected to attend seminars and workshops, as well as other activities "self-managed" by the students (e.g., workshops for the presentation of the research activities, journal clubs, etc.). Finally, the PhD students must attend at least one school and one conference, either national or international.

The PhD in Chemistry provides the internationalization of the curriculum operating at different levels. Each student is required to carry out research abroad for a period of at least 6 months. Participation to international schools and conferences is also mandatory, as well as attendance at seminars organized by the Departments proposing the PhD programme and often held by researchers from research institutions and universities abroad. Students can also join international research projects and scientific initiatives involving the research groups in which they are working. The PhD program is advertised to attract foreign students and allows developing PhD thesis in cosupervision with foreign research institutions. There are currently around 10 foreign students enrolled in the PhD programme, most of them are financially supported by international mobility programs (e.g., Erasmus Mundus Action 1, Marie Curie or China Scholarship Council). At the moment many co-tutelle  agreements are active.

The products and the expected results of the research activity of PhD students are those recognized by the international scientific community. In particular, at least two products related to participation in national and international conferences or schools (e.g., posters, oral presentations, publication of reports, etc.) are expected during the three-year PhD period for each student. The achievement of this goal will be assessed during the periodical evaluations of the PhD students’ activity. It is also expected that during the PhD period, and in any case within one year after the conclusion of the doctorate, each student has produced - as author or co-author - at least two publications (or possibly patents) related to the research activity.