The PhD programme in Understanding and Managing Extremes (UME) was a 48-month full-time joint doctoral programme between Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia (University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia) and Università degli Studi di Pavia (University of Pavia). It aimed to train graduates and professionals with strong scientific and professional capabilities, aware of the cultural, technical and management contents related to the understanding and management of the extreme situations caused by natural hazards. The key areas of study were:

• Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (ROSE Curriculum)
  topics included: structural dynamics; engineering seismology; geotechnical behaviour of soils; structural analysis; design of new structures; assessment and retrofitting of existing structures; non-structural element performance; design of innovative structural systems; engineering for the mitigation of seismic risk using advanced numerical modelling, experimental and analysis techniques; quantification of risk using hazard, exposure, vulnerability to estimate economic losses, casualties and loss of functionality to facilitate more informed decisions and increase the resilience of the built environment and society.

• Hydrometeorological, Geological, Chemical and Environmental Risk (HYRIS Curriculum)
  topics included: basics of physics; fluid mechanics; climatology; environmental monitoring and climate change; issues related to the specialization areas of "soil atmosphere"; "ocean-atmosphere" and “assessment and management of chemical risks” for devising meaningful damage and risk scenario and for identifying efficient risk mitigation strategies.

Some of the key characteristics of the PhD programme included:

• Exclusive international exposure, broad and interdisciplinary curricula;
• Unique opportunity to work with highly motivated and skilled students coming from all over the world, guided by highly qualified academics and professionals in the field.