Dottorati di Ricerca PhD
PhD in Advanced Sciences for AgriFood Systems - 42° Ciclo
PhD in Advanced Sciences for AgriFood Systems - Anno Accademico 2026/2027
The PhD programme in Advanced Sciences for AgriFood Systems trains leading researchers in the field of scientific, academic and industrial innovation, capable of driving the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems by helping to address the global challenges of food security, food safety, climate change and supply chain resilience.
Research areas of the PhD programme
The programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach and integrates agricultural and food sciences, data science, artificial intelligence, agricultural economics and geopolitics.
Research activities include:
- Digital and precision agriculture
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning and decision support systems
- Sensor technology and satellite monitoring
- Genetic improvement, genomic technologies and crop sciences
- Soil fertility and crop stress response
- Sustainable livestock farming
- Food processing, quality, safety and nutrition
- Agri-food supply chains, finance, markets and geopolitics
- Food security, food policies and sustainable development, with a particular focus on Africa
Focus on Africa and the Mattei Plan
The African continent is a central pillar of this PhD programme. Through a network of international cooperation, the programme stipulates that, in the first cycle, at least 8 of the 12 available places are reserved for candidates from African countries.
The 12 PhD students will be provided with free accommodation for the entire duration of the programme at the University of IASA’s halls of residence in Jolanda di Savoia (Ferrara).
During the programme, students will acquire key skills in research methodology, data analysis, modelling and technology transfer.
In the post-doctoral phase, the most deserving PhD students will be awarded a two-year research grant to carry out work at the Model Farms in African countries participating in the Mattei Plan, to lead innovation and technology transfer in the field.
ADMISSION PROCEDURE
Admission to the PhD programme in Advanced Sciences for Agrifood Systems is by open competition. The official call for applications will be published by 31 July 2026*.
*Pending accreditation pursuant to Ministerial Decree No. 226/2021
Important note: applicants are advised to read the call for applications carefully and to check all the required documents before proceeding with online registration.
Entry Requirements
Anyone who holds the following may apply for selection, regardless of age or nationality:
- A Master’s degree (Ministerial Decree 509/1999 and subsequent amendments)
- A degree under the old system (prior to Ministerial Decree 509/1999)
- A qualification obtained abroad and recognised as equivalent
Final-year students: candidates who will obtain the required qualification (in Italy or abroad) by 31 October 2026 may also apply.
The assessment of candidates will be based on an evaluation of their curriculum vitae and an interview, which will also be conducted remotely.
Your application will only be considered valid once you have completed the following steps:
- Download the application form
- Submission of documents - Send all required documentation (and any optional attachments) by email
Email address: phd@@iasaeu.it
Once the submitted documentation has been verified, the PhD Office will send a confirmation email to confirm that your application is valid.
Contact details
The secretariat is available to answer any queries and provide assistance with completing the application. Please email phd@@iasaeu.it
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Il dottorato di ricerca fornisce le competenze necessarie per esercitare attività di ricerca di alta qualificazione.
