PhD in Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine (MECM)

Graduates of the three-year PhD program are equipped for a wide range of career paths, aligned with the program’s educational goals. Thanks to the comprehensive training provided, PhD holders can pursue careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and health-tech companies, contributing to the development of new technologies and innovative healthcare solutions.

PhD graduates can also support the growth of clinical research groups, participate in translational research projects, and help bridge the gap between basic science and biomedicine, thus fostering the creation of new and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Moreover, academic careers are a viable option, both in universities and non-academic research institutions, allowing graduates to continue in fundamental and applied research while contributing to the training of future generations of scientists.

The translational education received—blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications—makes MECM PhD graduates highly competitive for leadership roles in diverse scientific and professional fields, enabling them to directly influence the evolution of medicine and healthcare on a global scale.

The PhD course in Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine is articulated into three main types of didactic activities:

• Research activities

Every student is assigned a research topic under the supervision of a Supervisor; the research activity in the laboratory is a full-time activity

• Mandatory activities

Seminar series (Journal Club on a specific topic between the speaker and the PhD students followed by a public seminar on the same topic)

• Elective activities

Seminars and courses, offered by the Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Labs, which the PhD students can freely join according to their research field and interests.

• Other didactic activities

Linguistics, Research management and funding, Intellectual property are the main topics.

MECM Curriculum Standard and Data Science

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD course in Molecular Experimental and Computational Medicine, MECM Curriculum 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 before the beginning of the academic activities. 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.

MECM-Clinical Curriculum

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD Course in Molecular Experimental and Computational Medicine, MECM -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.

PhD students are required to pay an annual fee for access and attendance, set at €250,00 for the academic year 2025/2026, 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.

• 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 17^th July 2025, 1:00 PM. 

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.

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.