Ten PhD Scholarships in Agri-food Production Sciences at University of Molise in Italy, open to all nationalities (DOT22SFTY2), Cycle XXXIX, A.Y. 2023/2024.
The PhD Course in Agri-food Production Sciences of the University of Molise aims to train highly qualified professional profiles in the field of primary productions and global sustainability (environmental, economic and social) of agricultural systems. PhD Course in Agri-food Production Sciences (DOT22SFTY2) Coordinator: Prof. Giuseppe Maiorano: e-mail: maior@unimol.it
Overview: The PhD Course in Agri-food Production Sciences of the University of Molise aims to train highly qualified professional profiles in the field of primary productions and global sustainability (environmental, economic and social) of agricultural systems.
The PhD course consists of three curricula:
1. Sustainable Plant Production and Protection:
The curriculum in Sustainable Plant Production and Protection aims to train a professional figure with methodological preparation at the international level, capable of developing and applying innovative methodologies, including biotechnological and molecular ones, for: the production and defense of agricultural resources; the sustainable management of agro-ecosystems with particular attention to the mitigation of climate change and the Farm to Fork strategy;
the design of new agronomic and enabling technologies to encourage the diffusion of precision farming systems; the protection and enhancement of biodiversity; the use of biological and integrated control strategies to address the adversities of the main agro-ecosystems; the management of agro-food residues with a circular economy perspective;
the conservation of soil fertility and improvement of soil quality; the qualitative and quantitative improvement of water resources; the valorisation of plant production that is necessary for the improvement of the economic and market performances of agro-food companies and for the development of rural territories.
2. Welfare, Biotechnology and Quality of Animal Production:
The curriculum in Welfare, Biotechnology and Quality of Animal Production aims to train a professional figure with methodological preparation at the international level, with autonomy and specific skills in the field of animal production, able to transfer research results also in the public and private sectors. The main lines of research concern: genetic improvement, conservation and protection of animal genetic resources; animal nutrition and efficient use of natural resources;
the development of technologies for the application of bioeconomy principles, with particular reference to the use of by-products from the agriculture and food supply chain; implementation of sustainable practices and protection of animal welfare; improvement of the quality of products of animal origin considering the economic, regulatory, safety and health aspects of food; the enhancement of animal production for the improvement of the economic and market performances of agro-food companies and for the development of rural territories.
3. Food Science, Technology and Biotechnology:
The curriculum in Food Science, Technology and Biotechnology aims to train a professional figure with methodological preparation at the international level, capable of developing and applying new scientific knowledge in the field of food processing, conservation, evaluation and control. A figure with autonomy and specific skills in the field of food production with problem solving skills and able to autonomously manage research and projects in his/her sector.
The specific objectives are those of the emerging lines of food science aimed at ensuring, through innovative and sustainable solutions, food safety, quality and typicality of the productions. The main lines of research concern: the study and management of production processes and the microbiological, technological, nutritional, health and organoleptic characteristics of raw and processed foods in different processing and storage conditions;
the enhancement of traditional and innovative food products; the production of novel foods and functional foods; the valorisation of the food production necessary for the improvement of the economic and market performances of agro-food companies and for the development of rural territories.
Duration: 01/11/2023 – 31/10/2026
TOTAL Positions with scholarship: 10 of which with scholarship reserved for applicants from foreign universities,
Requirements for admission to the competition:
All specialized or master’s degrees, or degrees of the system prior to that introduced with the D.M. 509/1999. For candidates who have acquired the title abroad, the latter must have equivalent characteristics with those indicated above. Assessable qualifications and related score
List of assessable qualifications (score up to a maximum of 20/100):
- professional and educational curriculum;
- degree mark or weighted average of the marks obtained in the exams of the program of studies of aforementioned degrees;
- thesis work;
- scientific publications on the themes object of the PhD research activities (max. 3);
- other past activities in the university and research fields;
- any other qualifications that the candidates may consider useful to attach to the application to demonstrate their training and aptitude to research.
In the evaluation of applications for scholarships financed with the resources referred to in Ministerial Decree 118/2023 and with particular reference to the project proposal presented by the candidates, the Commissions will also take into account the criteria set out in Ministerial Decree 118/2023, Thematic areas of the research project proposals and of the interview
Research proposal (score up to a maximum of 20/100): Candidates are required to prepare a research project proposal to be submitted along with the application must be dated and signed.
Interview: The oral exam and interview (score up to a maximum of 60/100) will consist of an oral presentation of the research proposal and a discussion of the technical and scientific issues related to it. Knowledge of the English language will be also evaluated. Candidates can carry out the presentation and discussion in English. Assessment criteria and ranking of the candidates; The assessment of academic qualifications is preparatory to the interview.
The maximum score is equal to 100/100, divided into the following sub-scores:
– maximum 20/100 Academic qualifications
– maximum 20/100 Research proposal in written form
– maximum 60/100 Interview and knowledge of English language
Candidates who score an interview mark of at least 40/60 points will be included in the overall merit ranking.
More info on our website: https://www2.unimol.it/dottorato/bandi-di-ammissione-ai-corsi-di-dottorato/bandi-di-ammissione-39-ciclo/scienze-per-le-produzioni-agroalimentari-xxxix-ciclo/
Contact: settoredottorati@unimol.it
Applications deadline: 24/07/2023