The PhD Program in Computer Science aims at training research specialists with an excellent knowledge about the methodological technological, experimental, and application aspects of the different areas of Computer Science. The main research areas include cybersecurity, computer networks, distributed, parallel and cloud computing, internet of things, high performance computing, human computer interaction, computer languages, software engineering, software quality, software project management, system verification, computer vision and biometric systems, virtual and augmented reality, databases and information systems, geographical information systems, data mining and big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, bioinformatics and health informatics, theoretical computer science, code theory, musical computer science, web engineering and mobile development.

The aim of the Program is to provide high-level training in the field of creation, management, and dissemination of high-level scientific knowledge in the areas of interest. The objective is the creation of a high-level professional dedicated not only to research, but also to its management and to the development of innovation, in universities, research centers and companies.

Particular emphasis is given to smart and enabling technologies for Industry 5.0, in particular with reference to the Internet of Things and the Smart and Connected Communities, for which the Department of Computer Science has been awarded and received government funds as Department of Excellence.

To complete their PhD program students will develop a research project within one of the research labs of the Department of Computer Science, under the supervision of a Faculty member. Moreover, they will attend courses on different topics of computer science, courses to improve language skills, and courses aimed at gaining knowledge about funding systems and management of research projects, as well as exploitation and protection of research results. PhD students will work on national and international research projects and in cooperation with industries and will spend a period of at least three months in a foreign research institution.

The Faculty members of the PhD program board are well known within the international scientific community, with publications in the main international journals and conferences, international collaborations and partnerships, and roles in editorial boards of international journals and organising and scientific committees of international conferences.

Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the PhD Program in Computer Science are to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the creation, management, and dissemination of scientific knowledge across the various areas of Computer Science, and to train highly qualified professionals capable of engaging not only in research but also in its management and in the development of innovation within universities, research centers, and industry.

The PhD Program therefore aims to train individuals who are able to:

• analyze the state of the art and identify, propose, and develop scientific and technological innovations;

• conduct theoretical, methodological, or experimental research;

• promote the adoption and use of ICT methods and technologies in services and production sectors, including through the creation of new enterprises;

• participate in research projects at the local, national, and international level, within collaborations with institutions and companies.

The PhD degree is awarded in recognition of the fact that the candidate has:

• successfully completed the PhD studies;

• demonstrated the ability to independently conduct a scientific project using methods appropriate to the subject area;

• contributed to advancing research to a level consistent with international standards for doctoral programs in the relevant discipline;

• successfully defended a PhD thesis in a public examination.

Within these general educational and research objectives, the individual training and research paths of PhD students are flexibly defined, based on their specific study and research plans.

Vision

The PhD Program in Computer Science aims to train highly qualified researchers capable of making significant contributions to technological and scientific advancement. The research training program is designed to align with these educational objectives and to achieve the following strategic goals:

a) Develop the curriculum around innovative and attractive topics, in line with the 2021-2027 National Research Program and the PNRR;
b) Promote the integration of the PhD program into the international context through the delivery of courses in English, the establishment of agreements with foreign universities for faculty and student mobility, co-supervision of theses and the awarding of double degrees, the organization of courses taught by international faculty, and the international mobility of PhD students and researchers;
c) Increase the interaction of the PhD program with sectors outside academia, encouraging agreements with companies and local or national institutions to offer external internships, scholarships funded by external entities, and innovative industrial, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary doctoral programs, as well as co-supervision with representatives from the professional and industrial world;
d) Enhance the attractiveness of the PhD program for foreign graduates or graduates from other national institutions, also through lectures and seminars delivered by foreign faculty or faculty from other Italian universities;
e) Foster a close connection between education and research by promoting the participation of external faculty with industry experience, establishing agreements with national and local companies, and organizing training courses on technology transfer;
f) Improve the language skills of PhD students, particularly in English, to facilitate international placement, through language enhancement courses, delivery of courses and seminars in English, and the preparation of the dissertation in English;
g) Increase collaborations with the world of work and professions through periodic consultations to define the training program based on market needs and through career support activities, creating synergies with the industrial sector and society to enhance placement opportunities and promote technological innovation;
h) Promote PhD research through participation in advanced research projects, encouraging high-quality scientific output and national and international collaboration through conference participation and presentation of research results, as well as organizing training activities on scientific communication and article writing for publication.

The program is supported not only by University and MUR funds but also by the funds from the "Departments of Excellence" project and the PNRR.

Study Plan

The Study Plan is available on the dedicated webpage: link

Courses

The list of courses is available on the dedicated webpage:link