If you’re a medical resident or a recently qualified specialist physician looking to advance your career in biomedical research, the University of Milan has opened applications for one of Italy’s most prestigious doctoral opportunities.

For the 2026–2027 academic year (42nd PhD Cycle), the University of Milan is offering 12 fully funded PhD positions in the National Doctoral Programme in Systems Medicine. This doctoral programme is specifically designed for physicians who wish to combine clinical expertise with cutting-edge biomedical research in systems medicine.

The National PhD in Systems Medicine at the University of Milan represents an exceptional opportunity for medical professionals who want to pursue high-impact biomedical research in one of Europe’s leading academic environments. With 12 fully funded positions, collaboration across Italy’s top universities and research institutes, and a strong emphasis on translational medicine, this programme offers an excellent pathway toward a career in academic medicine, clinical research, or biomedical innovation. If you meet the eligibility requirements, consider applying well before the 16 September 2026 deadline to ensure you have sufficient time to prepare all required documentation.

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Overview

Details	Information
Host University	University of Milan
Country	Italy
Programme	National PhD in Systems Medicine
Academic Year	2026–2027
Cycle	42nd Cycle
Number of Positions	12
Starting Date	1 November 2026
Funding	Fully Funded PhD Positions
Application Deadline	16 September 2026 (10:00 AM Italy Time)

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About the PhD Programme

The National Doctoral Programme in Systems Medicine is one of Italy’s leading interdisciplinary PhD programmes, bringing together internationally recognized universities, research institutes, and biomedical innovation centers.

The programme focuses on understanding complex human diseases through molecular biology, genomics, oncology, computational medicine, and translational research.

Students will have the opportunity to work alongside renowned scientists, clinicians, and research teams across multiple Italian institutions.

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Research Fields

Applicants will conduct research in advanced biomedical disciplines, including:

• Molecular Biology
• Systems Medicine
• Hematology
• Oncology
• Rheumatology
• Precision Medicine
• Genomics
• Translational Medicine
• Biomedical Data Science
• Personalized Medicine

The doctoral programme is aligned with the following Italian academic scientific groups:

• Molecular Biology (G.S.D. 05/BIOS-08)
• Blood Diseases, Oncology and Rheumatology (G.S.D. 06/MEDS-09)

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Participating Universities and Research Institutions

This prestigious national PhD programme is coordinated by the University of Milan and includes collaboration with several leading universities and biomedical research organizations across Italy.

Participating institutions include:

• University of Milan
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Bari
• University of Turin
• University of Trento
• Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Rome)
• Humanitas University
• Institute of Molecular Oncology
• European Institute of Oncology
• Human Technopole Foundation
• National Institute of Molecular Genetics
• Italian Institute of Technology
• Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine
• CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies “Franco Salvatore”
• Telethon Foundation
• European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM)

This collaborative network provides PhD candidates with access to world-class laboratories, multidisciplinary supervision, and cutting-edge biomedical research infrastructure.

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Who Can Apply?

These PhD positions are reserved exclusively for:

• Medical residents.
• Specialist physicians who completed their medical residency within the last 12 months.

Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

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Funding Information

The programme offers 12 funded doctoral positions.

Successful candidates will receive financial support throughout their doctoral studies in accordance with Italian doctoral regulations.

These scholarships are intended for early-stage researchers (0–4 years after graduation) who are beginning their research careers.

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Programme Accreditation

The doctoral programme is subject to accreditation by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).

Admissions are governed by:

• Article 7 of Ministerial Decree No. 226/2021
• Article 8, Paragraph 5 of Ministerial Decree No. 226/2021

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Important Dates

Application Opens

22 July 2026

Application Deadline

16 September 2026

Closing Time

10:00 AM (Italy Time)

Programme Start Date

1 November 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

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Host Institution

• University: University of Milan
• Country: Italy
• City: Milan
• Address: Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
• Programme: National PhD in Systems Medicine
  Funding: Fully Funded
  Positions Available: 12
  Eligible Applicants: Medical residents and recently qualified specialist physicians
  Application Deadline: 16 September 2026
  Programme Start: 1 November 2026

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Contact Information

For admissions or application inquiries: Email: phd@unimi.it

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted according to the procedures outlined in the call for applications published by the University of Milan: https://www.unimi.it/it/corsi/corsi-post-laurea-e-formazione-continua/corsi-di-dottorato-phd/aa-2026/2027-dottorato-nazionale-medicina-dei-sistemi

Candidates should prepare all required documentation before the submission deadline, including any academic and professional records requested in the official announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this PhD fully funded?

Yes. The University of Milan is offering 12 funded PhD positions within the National Doctoral Programme in Systems Medicine for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications are limited to medical residents and specialist physicians who completed their medical residency within the previous 12 months, subject to the eligibility criteria in the call.

Where is the programme located?

The programme is coordinated by the University of Milan in Italy and involves several leading Italian universities and biomedical research institutions.

What research areas are covered?

The programme focuses on Systems Medicine, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, Precision Medicine, Genomics, and Translational Biomedical Research.

How many PhD positions are available?

A total of 12 funded doctoral positions are available for the 2026–2027 academic year.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline to submit applications is 16 September 2026 at 10:00 AM (Italy Time).

When does the PhD programme begin?

The programme officially starts on 1 November 2026.

Is this programme funded by the European Union?

No. According to the official announcement, the doctoral scholarships are not funded or co-funded through an EU Research Framework Programme.

Can international applicants apply?

The official call specifies eligibility requirements based on medical residency status. International applicants can apply if they meet the programme’s requirements.