PhD brief presentation

BRIEF PRESENTATION

The PhD Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, hosted by the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), offers a multidisciplinary research environment and is designed to train highly qualified and motivated researchers capable of operating with scientific and methodological autonomy across the major fields of modern biology.

The program combines hands-on experimental research with structured training, providing in-depth and up-to-date knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, while offering a strong foundation in both basic and applied research within a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary framework.

Research Areas

PhD candidates have the opportunity to join research groups covering a broad spectrum of scientific activities, including:

• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Cancer and Neurological Diseases
• Molecular and Structural Biology
• Microbiology
• Plant Physiology

The program also collaborates with industrial partners and international research institutions, offering dedicated positions and fostering participation in national and international research networks.

Training and Skills Development

The PhD program has a duration of three years and includes structured training activities for Research and Teaching 

• Disciplinary and Inter - Multidisciplinary Courses (coursework, seminars, lab meeting, journal club)
• Soft Skills courses
• Extra-Curricular Training: Activities in public engagement and third mission initiatives. 
• Tutoring and Teaching Support 
• Dissemination and Outreach

PhD candidates gain expertise in:

• Research design, organization, and project planning
• Advanced experimental methodologies and innovative technologies
• Transversal skills, including project management, research ethics, integrity, responsibility, and open science practices
• Effective communication and dissemination of scientific results

International Exposure and Mobility

The program promotes international mobility and collaborations with foreign Universities, research institutions, and laboratories to foster a global perspective on research and enhance scientific and language communication skills

Flexible and Personalized Pathway

The PhD curriculum is flexible, allowing candidates to tailor their training to their specific research interests. Progressive specialization in one of the many areas of cellular and molecular biology prepares graduates for high-level careers in academia, industry, and institutional contexts, both nationally and internationally.

Research topics of the Ph.D. program in Molecular and Cell Biology include:

• Cancer genome instability (Prof. Capranico, Prof. Marinello)
• Genetics Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prof. Maestrini, Prof. Bacchelli)
• Molecular biotechnology of phages for the development of theranostic vector platforms (Prof. Danielli)
• Mitochondria dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondria gene mutations in cancer (Prof. Porcelli, Prof. Ghelli, Prof. Iommarini)
• Computational transcriptomics of human gene networks (Prof. Giorgi)
• Molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases (Prof. Monti)
• Gene expression regulation  and editing in cancer and muscle disorders (Prof. Perini, Prof. Chemello)
• Molecular characterization of solid tumors (Prof. de Biase)
• Molecular mechanisms of redox signaling and energy metabolism regulations in plants (Prof. Trost, Prof. Sparla, Prof. Zaffagnini) 
• Microbial and innate immune mechanisms at the start of infection (Prof. Oggioni)
• Molecular Environmental Microbiology and functional characterization of human and environmental microbial communities (Prof. Cappelletti, Prof. Vitali)
• Structures and functions of metalloproteins (Prof. Zambelli)
• Tumor Metastasis and Microenvironment: Models and Mechanisms  (Dr. Alessandro Gardini - The Wistar Insitute, USA)

For a concise overview, please refer to the page of the Faculty Member responsible for each research project (Faculty Members)