PhD in Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine (MECM)

Program overview

The PhD program, developed in collaboration with IRCCS Humanitas, offers top-tier interdisciplinary training across various fields of life sciences and molecular medicine. It combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a highly stimulating environment. Students have access to cutting-edge technologies and real clinical cases, with the goal of deepening their understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and promoting translational research and the practical application of acquired knowledge.

The program includes specific training in biomedical technologies for big data analysis, with a focus on omics techniques (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, radiomics), systems biology approaches, imaging and flow cytometry methods, and the analysis of data from electronic health records. These tools equip students with key competencies for integrated analysis of complex datasets, which are essential to address the challenges of modern medicine.

The program’s approach is designed to provide advanced and comprehensive education in experimental and computational medicine, preparing PhD students to become leaders in biomedical research, capable of tackling pressing healthcare challenges through scientific innovation and precision medicine.

The PhD program is conducted in a highly stimulating environment that fosters interaction among different scientific disciplines and encourages international collaboration. Students have the opportunity to engage with world-renowned experts and researchers, participate in multidisciplinary projects, and develop strong scientific independence. The emphasis on hands-on experience, combined with ongoing research innovation, allows students to acquire essential skills to face the challenges of a constantly evolving scientific landscape.

Three different curricula are available, candidates are required to specify their curriculum preferences when applying:

1. MECM Standard
   The experimental PhD track is designed to train highly qualified researchers in biological sciences and medicine, with a strong focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. This curriculum adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating genetics, biochemistry, and pharmacology, and leverages cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, systems biology, and molecular imaging. Doctoral candidates will work in state-of-the-art laboratories, where they will develop experimental skills with a particular emphasis on translational research, aiming to accelerate the application of scientific discoveries to diagnosis and treatment. Students are immersed in a highly stimulating environment that promotes both research autonomy and collaboration with fellow researchers and healthcare professionals, applying theoretical knowledge to real experimental and clinical contexts.
2. MECM Clinical
   The MECM-Clinical track is designed to integrate experimental research (such as cellular and molecular biology, informatics, and the use of preclinical models for translational studies) with direct clinical practice, including patient enrollment and evaluation in dedicated studies. The program combines hands-on hospital experience under the supervision of a physician with at least 24 hours per week of experimental research in the laboratory. PhD candidates will be directly responsible for managing research projects approved by their clinical and/or laboratory supervisors. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop advanced skills in both scientific research and clinical practice, with the goal of rapidly translating discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.
3. MECM Data Science
   The Data Science track is designed to synergistically integrate experimental research—both basic and clinical—with the advanced competencies of a data scientist. Its main objective is to provide students with comprehensive training in the analysis and interpretation of data from multiple sources, including omics technologies, imaging, and flow cytometry. PhD candidates will develop cross-disciplinary skills ranging from statistics to bioinformatics, mastering advanced techniques for the analysis of large and complex datasets. They will gain experience in the use of bioinformatics tools and software, statistical methods for data processing, predictive and diagnostic modeling, and algorithm development for data management and interpretation. This training path prepares graduates to become experts in handling complex data, with direct impact on research, the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and the implementation of advanced clinical applications.

Program objectives

The main goal of the PhD program in MECM – Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine is to provide a solid foundational, methodological, and experimental training to researchers and medical professionals, preparing them to face scientific and clinical challenges in the complex and innovative fields of molecular medicine.

Training is offered in cross-cutting and multidisciplinary research areas, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases, with a particular focus on advanced techniques in cell and molecular analysis, as well as personalized medicine.

The program is structured into three distinct tracks (standard, clinical, and Data Science), designed to strengthen the connections and interdependence between basic science and applied disciplines. This integrated approach promotes a fast and continuous flow of knowledge transfer from basic research to clinical practice, accelerating the adoption of scientific innovations. In doing so, the program contributes to the development of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine, with a tangible and direct impact on patient health and clinical practices.

Through this integrated and multidisciplinary model, the MECM PhD program aims to train highly specialized professionals capable of making significant contributions to the advancement of molecular and experimental medicine, with a direct impact on clinical practice and biomedical research on a global scale.

Career opportunities

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.

Didactic activities

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.

Admission requirements

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.

MEM-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.

Fees and scholarships

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.

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 14^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.