🎓 Applications now open for the Academic year 2025/26
👉 To apply clic here: → GO TO APPLICATION
⏳ Deadline: August 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM(CEST)
The Call for Applications is now online for the National PhD Programme in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SDC), cycle XXXXI (2025–2026).
This three-year, fully English-taught programme aims to train a new generation of researchers capable of rethinking the concept of progress in sustainable terms—moving beyond mere economic growth to address the global challenges posed by climate change in a systemic and integrated way.
A Future-Oriented PhD Programme
The SDC PhD is designed to prepare future generations to redesign a resilient society—capable of facing the ongoing environmental, economic, and social transformations.
At the core of the educational path lies the study of complexity, driven by the interrelations between technology, natural resources, migration, well-being and quality of life, climate change, territorial specificities, and access to water and food.
The educational challenge is to move beyond a traditional, discipline-specific approach by promoting innovative research projects and multidisciplinary paths that connect diverse skills and adopt heterogeneous languages and methods.
Programme Structure
The programme is structured into three thematic curricula, allowing the development of sustainability and climate change topics across a wide range of disciplines:
- CU ALPHA – ONE HEALTH: EARTH SYSTEM AND HUMAN LIFE
- CU BETA – HUMAN SOCIETY: SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS, INSTITUTIONS AND THEORIES
- CU GAMMA – TECHNOLOGY AND TERRITORY: SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS FOR THE TRANSITION
The training path is built on two interconnected networks: a thematic network linking tools and disciplinary approaches, and an institutional network involving universities and research centers, coordinated by a National Committee responsible for integration and management.
Available Positions
For cycle XXXXI, 36 funded PhD positions are available, each tied to a specific research topic listed in the “Research Topics” annex.
The number of scholarships may increase if additional funding becomes available before the programme begins (November 1, 2025).
Scholarships are assigned only to applicants deemed eligible by the selection committee and must be carried out at the host university indicated in the Call.
Admission Requirements
Applications are open to candidates holding (or expected to obtain by November 1, 2025) one of the following degrees:
- Master’s Degree or equivalent (Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica)
- Degree awarded under the former Italian system (Vecchio Ordinamento)
- Second-level AFAM degree (Higher Education in Art and Music)
- Equivalent foreign academic degree
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively online by 1:00 PM (CEST) on August 22, 2025, via the PICA platform:
👉 https://pica.cineca.it/iuss/dottorato-41/
A non-refundable application fee of €30 is required.
All details regarding required documents and the application process are available in the Call for Applications.
Information and Contacts
For full details about the programme, curricula, host institutions, and selection process:
🔗 www.phd-sdc.it
📧 phd-sdc@iusspavia.it