PhD in Data Science In Medicine (DASME)

The Programme

The DASME PhD Programme addresses challenges in the life sciences field and in the scientific and clinical research training field. The PhD has an international dimension because of its structure, the course is held in English, for enrolled non-Italian PhD students and for the involvement of foreign teachers. Part of the training activities are carried out within European projects.

The PhD takes up the challenge of recent years to analyze a large amount of data (big data) in a systematic way by means of effective algorithms, in order to find common elements, in an attempt to predict the clinical response from the view point of medicine and precision nutrition. The PhD offers specific training on enabling technologies, such as homics, bioinformatics, imaging, sequencing and flow cytometry. The training is enriched by seminars held by foreign lecturers (Visiting Professor, Guest Lecturer). The course provides a stimulating environment through the organization of Journal clubs, informal exchanges between disciplines, encouragement of researcher independence and training abroad.

Future perspectives

The objective of this PhD programme is to train experts in basic, clinical and industrial research so that they can pursue a career in research, clinical or academic fields. In particular, for non-medical PhDs, the best job opportunities will be in biotechnology and bioinformatics companies, in public and private research sectors, and in academia. In this context, the interdisciplinary nature of their training will help them to rapidly transfer new knowledge from basic science to bio-medicine and clinical practice in order to generate new advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the field of precision medicine. The best job opportunities for those who carry out clinical activities will be in research, in clinical settings or in academia, in particular in clinical facilities involved in research and training where they can contribute to the development of leading clinical research teams in their fields of specialisation. The strongly international and interdisciplinary approach of the PhD course will give students the opportunity to establish themselves in positions with a worldwide perspective.

Didactic Activities

Mandatory courses

Admission Requirements

Data Science in Medicine Curriculum

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD course in Data Science in Medicine, must either have a “laurea magistrale” awarded in accordance with D.M. 270/2004 or equivalent qualification awarded by a foreign university (usually referred to as a Master’s Degree), in one of the subjects listed in the official call for applicants.

Applicants who are waiting to be awarded the required qualification at the date of submission can also take part in the selection process providing they have passed all of the Degree course exams at the time of the online application and are awarded the qualification by the final deadline indicated in the call for applicants. In the event these applicants pass the selection process, their enrolment on the PhD course is conditional upon providing proof that the qualification is awarded.

Data Science in Medicine – Clinical Curriculum

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD Course in Datascience in Medicine – Clinical Curriculum must:

• be enrolled on the Medical Register
• already possess a specialist medical qualification

Alternatively, applications will also be taken from doctors in specialist training who will enrol in the final year in a School of Specialisation at Humanitas University.

Fees and Scholarships

PhD students are required to pay an annual fee for access and attendance, set at €250,00 for the academic year 2023/2024, including the regional tax and stamp duty.

Detailed information about each topic’s scholarship or equivalent contract can be found in the research topics table below, by clicking on each topic ID.

How to Apply

• Registration or access with your LOGINMIUR credentials
• Application form submission
• Payment of the application contribution

The application form must be completed in all its parts, on penalty of exclusion. In particular, applicants must submit all of the following documents in PDF format:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Motivation letter
3. Copy of a valid ID or passport (for Non-EU citizens)
4. Diploma Supplement
5. Copy of the receipt of payment of €30,00

Additionally, applicants may indicate name and contacts of maximum two referees, preferably chosen among those who have had a supervising role of the candidates. The referees will be directly contacted by Humanitas University and asked to complete a brief letter of reference, which should be sent by 14th July.

Further details about the application procedure will be reported in the official call for applicants.

Admission Process

Admission to the PhD Programme is based on a public selection process consisting of

• the comparative evaluation of the titles and qualifications and
• an interview carried out in English by a Committee composed of a maximum of seven members.

The aim of the selection process is to assess the knowledge, competencies and aptitude of the applicants for scientific research as well as their motivation for undertaking the PhD programme.

Prior to the interview, applicants may be asked to take a multiple-choice test, aimed at assessing the applicant’s specific knowledge in the fields of the research projects of the Campus.

A good knowledge of English is required and will be tested during the interview.

Should reasons justify it, the test and interview can be conducted via video-conference. Those who intend to conduct the interview via video-conference or request special assistance should specify this on the application form.

Academic Board

PhD Coordinator: Professor Rosanna Asselta

Research Topics