Academic Year 2020-2021
Subject area Mathematical Physical, Chemical and Astronomical Sciences
Cycle 36
Coordinator Prof.ssa Domenica Tonelli
Language English
Duration 3 years
Positions 23 positions. More information in the PhD Programme Table
Application deadline May 21, 2020 at 01:00 PM (Expired)
Enrolment period From Jul 21, 2020 to Jul 31, 2020
Doctoral programme start date Nov 01, 2020
Operating centre
Bologna
Main Department
Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician" - CHIM
Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari" - CHIMIND
Mobility abroad
6 months
Research topics

Curriculum 1: Chemical Sciences
The research topics of the curriculum Chemical Sciences 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.

Curriculum 2: Industrial Chemistry
The research topics of the curriculum Industrial Chemistry relate to the areas of industrial chemistry, chemistry of materials (e.g., polymers and ceramics) and processes, analytical and environmental chemistry. The research activities include the development of new, more environment-friendly industrial processes (by operating on a laboratory scale or in pilot plants), the innovation or improvement of the industrial production of chemical substances by introducing "sustainable" processes ("Green Chemistry"), the study of methods for the reduction of pollutants and for the production of fuels, the synthesis of polymeric materials of industrial applications and for the conversion of energy, the development of new catalytic materials (e.g., organometallic compounds or metal complexes) and their evaluation in industrial applications in order to their determine characteristics, reactivity, and role, and the study of use of renewable sources (e.g., biomass) for the production of chemicals, fuels or energy, the application of advanced analytical techniques for the characterization of materials for energy storage and production and for the development of sensors, the electrochemical synthesis of catalysts of industrial interest.

Job opportunities and potential areas of employment
The most important professional opportunities for a PhD in Chemistry are the inclusion in public (Universities, research institutions) or private (laboratories, industries, spin-offs, etc.) facilities. The training of PhD students carried out in contact with colleagues with diverse experience will guarantee a working environment similar to that of employee positions. In addition, PhD students may carry out part of their research activities in the context of employment, working in public and private entities, in academic spin-offs or even through dedicated Industrial PhD positions. Students can also participate to collaborations with other Italian and foreign research institutions in the frame of research projects funded at national and European level. The path of integration into the world of work can begin with a period of post-doctoral training and leads to a position of responsibility in preparation and conduction of projects or in management of research groups. The favourable reception of PhDs in Chemistry by research institutions and industries is also highlighted by the significant funding for scholarships obtained from these institutions in the last years.
Admission Board

Surname Name University Role email
Boanini Elisa Università di Bologna Member elisa.boanini@unibo.it
Bordoni Silvia Università di Bologna Member silvia.bordoni@unibo.it
Lanzi Massimiliano Università di Bologna Member massimiliano.lanzi@unibo.it
Lesch Andreas Stephan Università di Bologna Member andreas.lesch@unibo.it
Marcaccio Massimo Università di Bologna Member massimo.marcaccio@unibo.it
Mirasoli Mara Università di Bologna Member mara.mirasoli@unibo.it
Valgimigli Luca Università di Bologna Member luca.valgimigli@unibo.it
Amorati Riccardo Università di Bologna Substitute riccardo.amorati@unibo.it
Bergamini Giacomo Università di Bologna Substitute giacomo.bergamini@unibo.it
Bernardi Elena Università di Bologna Substitute elena.bernardi@unibo.it
Della Valle Raffaele Guido Università di Bologna Substitute raffaele.dellavalle@unibo.it
Mazzocchetti Laura Università di Bologna Substitute laura.mazzocchetti@unibo.it
Rivalta Ivan Università di Bologna Substitute i.rivalta@unibo.it
Roda Barbara Università di Bologna Substitute barbara.roda@unibo.it
Sambri Letizia Università di Bologna Substitute letizia.sambri@unibo.it
Zattoni Andrea Università di Bologna Substitute andrea.zattoni@unibo.it

Aquilanti Giuliana (giuliana.aquilanti@elettra.eu) for CERIC, Parrinello Fiorenzo (fiorenzo.parrinello@sacmi.it) for SACMI Imola S. C. and Simone Sprio (simone.sprio@istec.cnr.it) for CNR and Finceramica shall take part in the work of the Admission Board as Expert Members.

Learning outcomes
The PhD programme in Chemistry aims to train highly qualified PhDs able to organize and manage research activities in Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, as well as any research field in which chemistry has a prominent role. Particular 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 training objectives of the PhD programme also include the attainment 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 three curricula that share the general training objectives listed above but differ for the final purposes of the research activities.
Activities to be carried out by Doctoral candidates
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 equipment 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.
Research training activities compliant with the Doctoral programme's learning outcomes
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.
Internationalization features
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). It should be also highlighted that the PhD curriculum SINCHEM (Sustainable Industrial Chemistry) is part of an international Erasmus Mundus PhD programme involving Italian, French, German, and British Universities as well as important chemical industry and energy companies (Dow, ENI, BaSF, etc.). PhD students enrolled in the curriculum SINCHEM (as well as some students enrolled in the other curricula) are in cosupervision with foreign Universities. This will allow easier access of doctoral students to research projects involving partner universities and industries.
Expected research results and products
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.
Doctoral programme Academic Board
Surname Name University/Institution Qualification
Albonetti Stefania Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Bergamini Giacomo Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Bernardi Luca Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Bigi Adriana Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario
Boanini Elisa Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Cozzi Pier Giorgio Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario
Fabbri Daniele Università di Bologna Professore Associato Confermato
Galletti Paola Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Maini Lucia Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Marcaccio Massimo Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario
Mazzanti Andrea Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario
Mirasoli Mara Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Monari Magda Università di Bologna Professore Associato Confermato
Negri Fabrizia Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario
Passarini Fabrizio Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Tonelli Domenica Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario
Valgimigli Luca Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Venuti Elisabetta Università di Bologna Professore Associato
Zacchini Stefano Università di Bologna Professore Ordinario