The PhD program comprises two primary curricula:

a) HEMATO-ONCOLOGY, GENETICS, RARE DISEASES, AND PREDICTIVE MEDICINE, characterized by four main pathways:

Pediatric Hemato-Oncology: This area aims to improve diagnostics, identify new mechanisms of tumorigenesis and new therapeutic targets, and develop innovative strategies for pediatric cancer through 3D and in vivo tumor modeling, immunotherapeutic approaches and gene therapy. 

Genetic and Rare Diseases: The primary goal of this research area is to study the biological bases and possible precision therapies for neurological diseases with genetic and rare epilepsies, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic, and mitochondrial diseases, using model organisms and other in vitro models.

Predictive Medicine: This area focuses on characterizing various disease phenotypes through metabolomics and identifying personal metabolic features capable of predicting therapeutic responses. 

Regenerative Medicine: The main objective is to develop in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models to mimic pathological conditions in children. Using these models, strategies for cellular and tissue regeneration are developed.

Additionally, there are programs dedicated to various pediatric subspecialties, pediatric surgery, gynecology, and obstetrics. PhD students thus have the opportunity to be involved in established research programs in cardiology, diabetology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, nephrology, neurology, pulmonology, malformative diseases, and more. Preclinical, translational, and basic research is mainly conducted in the Department's laboratories within the Pediatric Research Institute (IRP), a large facility (over 17,500 sqm, about 200 researchers and 29 research groups), equipped with advanced facilities and technologies and a stimulating environment where PhD students can learn from more experienced researchers and develop their skills.

b) HEALTH PLANNING SCIENCES, based on a training path that guides the PhD student in acquiring theoretical foundations and the main areas of application of methods derived from operational research and quantitative data analysis. This path aims to guide the PhD student in designing service networks, individual services, interventions on populations, subgroups, or clinical cases, focusing on innovation and applying new approaches and methodologies. This training includes creatingmonitoring systems for populations or subgroups, analyzing the impact of interventions, and using new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, including Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The training path includes field experiences and active participation in concrete planning actions, both tactical and strategic. This approach aims to enhance the skills and autonomy of the PhD student. 

The program is further supported by the presence in the same Department of the Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Gynecology and Obstetrics and collaboration with the research laboratories of the Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, part of the Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health.

Development of Research Activity

The duration of the course is 3 years.

In the first 3 months, the PhD student, with the help of the supervisor, must draft the preliminary project, and within 6 months, the final project to be developed during the course. Templates for the two documents are available in the course’s reserved area to guide the drafting of the document.

The activities carried out are subject to review at the end of the first and second years.

Specifically, at the end of the first year, the PhD student must draft a report according to a predetermined template, which will be evaluated by two members of the Academic Board not involved in the project.

At the end of the second year, the PhD student must prepare an oral presentation of the project.

At the end of the third year, a final report must be prepared, which will be evaluated by external reviewers from outside the university for admission to the final exam.