29 Funded PhD Positions in Agro-Food System at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has officially announced applications for its PhD Programme in Agro-Food System (XLII Cycle – Academic Year 2026/2027) at the Piacenza Campus. The programme offers 29 doctoral positions, including 22 funded scholarships, making it one of Italy’s largest doctoral opportunities in agricultural and food sciences. Designed for graduates who aspire to contribute to sustainable agriculture, food innovation, rural development, biotechnology, economics, and environmental sciences, this doctoral programme provides advanced research training within an internationally recognized academic environment.
With an interdisciplinary approach and strong collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry partners, the programme prepares doctoral candidates to address some of the most pressing challenges facing global food systems.
About Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Founded in 1921, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is the largest private university in Europe and one of Italy’s leading higher education institutions. It is internationally recognized for excellence in teaching, scientific research, and innovation across a broad range of academic disciplines.
The university operates several campuses throughout Italy, with the Piacenza Campus serving as a centre of excellence for agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, food production, environmental sustainability, and agri-food innovation. Through its doctoral programmes, the university promotes interdisciplinary research while encouraging collaboration with national and international academic institutions, public organizations, and private industry.
About the PhD Programme in Agro-Food System
The PhD in Agro-Food System is a three-year doctoral programme that aims to educate the next generation of researchers capable of addressing complex challenges within modern agricultural and food systems. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with applied scientific research, allowing doctoral candidates to develop innovative solutions for sustainable food production, environmental management, agricultural economics, biotechnology, and animal and plant sciences.
According to the official call, the programme will be activated following accreditation and verification by the Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR). The programme also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to work across multiple scientific fields while engaging with real-world agricultural and environmental challenges.
Number of Available PhD Positions
For the 2026/2027 academic year, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has announced:
- 29 total PhD positions
- 22 funded scholarships
- 7 positions without scholarships
The university notes that the number of funded scholarships may increase if additional funding is secured from public or private organizations before the admission process is finalized. Any increase in scholarships will also increase the number of available doctoral positions. Applicants are therefore encouraged to monitor the official doctoral admissions website for updates and amendments to the call.
Research Areas
The Agro-Food System doctoral programme covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, reflecting the complexity of modern food production and agricultural sustainability. According to the official announcement, research opportunities include:
Agricultural Economics
Research in agricultural and food economics examines how economic principles can improve the sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness of agricultural production and food supply chains.
Topics may include:
- Agricultural markets
- Food policy
- Rural development
- Sustainable value chains
- Consumer behaviour
- Farm management
- Food security
General and Inorganic Chemistry
Chemistry plays a vital role in understanding food composition, agricultural inputs, environmental quality, and innovative production technologies. Doctoral research may contribute to:
- Soil chemistry
- Food quality analysis
- Agricultural materials
- Environmental monitoring
- Sustainable chemical processes
Plant Physiology
Plant physiology research focuses on understanding how plants grow, respond to environmental conditions, and improve agricultural productivity. Potential research areas include:
- Crop resilience
- Plant nutrition
- Water-use efficiency
- Climate adaptation
- Sustainable crop production
- Molecular plant biology
Zoology and Animal Sciences
Research involving animals contributes to improving livestock production, animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable farming systems. Projects may explore:
- Animal nutrition
- Livestock management
- Biodiversity
- Veterinary sciences
- Sustainable animal production
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Agro-Food Research
One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its interdisciplinary structure. Modern agricultural systems are influenced by scientific, economic, environmental, technological, and social factors. The Agro-Food System PhD integrates these perspectives to prepare researchers capable of solving complex problems across the entire food value chain. Doctoral candidates are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while developing expertise in their chosen research area.
International Mobility
International mobility forms an essential component of the doctoral programme. According to the official call, doctoral candidates are expected to participate in research or academic activities abroad during their studies. International experience enables candidates to:
- Collaborate with leading international researchers.
- Access advanced laboratories and research facilities.
- Develop intercultural communication skills.
- Build international scientific networks.
- Increase the global impact of their research.
This international perspective is one of the programme’s defining features and helps prepare graduates for careers in academia, research institutes, international organizations, and industry.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to applicants who meet the academic requirements established by the university. Generally, candidates should hold an eligible Master’s degree or an equivalent foreign qualification that allows admission to doctoral studies in the country where it was awarded.
Because admission requirements may vary depending on the candidate’s academic background, applicants should carefully review the official call before submitting their application. The programme welcomes applications from both Italian and international candidates, reinforcing its global and interdisciplinary character.
Scholarship Opportunities
A significant advantage of this doctoral programme is the availability of funded positions. The official announcement includes 22 doctoral scholarships, offering financial support that enables successful candidates to focus on advanced research throughout the three-year programme.
The university also states that additional scholarships may become available if new funding agreements are finalized before the admissions process concludes. Applicants should therefore check the official admissions page regularly for any updates or amendments.
Why Choose the Agro-Food System PhD?
Global agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation due to climate change, technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and evolving sustainability requirements. Researchers trained in agro-food systems play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions that improve food production while protecting natural resources and supporting economic development. By joining this doctoral programme, candidates become part of an academic community dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge that benefits agriculture, food industries, rural communities, and society as a whole.
Scholarship Structure and Funding
The PhD Programme in Agro-Food System at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore offers one of the largest doctoral funding opportunities in Italy within the agricultural and food sciences sector. For the XLII Cycle (Academic Year 2026/2027), the university has announced:
- 29 total PhD positions
- 22 funded scholarships
- 7 non-funded positions
According to the call, the number of scholarships may increase if additional funding from public institutions or private organizations becomes available before the admission process is completed. Any increase in funding will also increase the total number of available PhD positions. This provides applicants with additional opportunities even after the initial publication of the call.
Affiliated Institutions and Research Collaboration
One of the distinguishing features of the Agro-Food System PhD is its extensive collaboration with research organizations, universities, public institutions, and industry partners. Doctoral candidates benefit from an academic environment that combines scientific excellence with practical applications in agriculture, food production, environmental sustainability, biotechnology, and rural development.
Throughout the programme, students have opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams working on topics of global importance, including:
- Sustainable food production
- Agricultural innovation
- Climate-smart farming
- Animal production systems
- Plant biotechnology
- Food quality and safety
- Rural economics
- Environmental sustainability
The programme encourages close interaction between academia and industry, allowing doctoral researchers to develop practical solutions for real-world challenges.
Programme Duration
The PhD programme has a standard duration of three years. During this period, doctoral candidates progressively develop independent research projects under the supervision of experienced faculty members. Training includes:
- Advanced scientific research
- Specialized coursework
- Research seminars
- International mobility
- Scientific publishing
- Conference participation
- Dissertation preparation
Students are expected to demonstrate increasing independence throughout the programme while contributing to the university’s research activities.
Admission Process
Admission to the Agro-Food System PhD programme is based on a public competitive selection process. The selection procedure is designed to identify highly motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research potential. As indicated in the official call, the programme is activated following accreditation and verification by the Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR).
The admission process includes the evaluation of academic qualifications followed by oral examinations according to the procedures established in the official competition notice. Applicants should consult the official call carefully to understand the specific evaluation criteria applicable to their research area.
Required Academic Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy the academic requirements established in the official competition announcement. In general, eligible candidates should possess:
- A Master’s degree awarded by an Italian university; or
- An equivalent foreign qualification that allows admission to doctoral studies in the country where it was obtained.
International applicants are encouraged to verify the recognition of their qualifications before submitting an application. Candidates who are completing their final degree requirements may also be eligible under the conditions specified in the call.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should carefully prepare all documentation before beginning the online application (links below). Typical application documents include:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Copy of passport or national identity document
- Research-related documentation where required
Incomplete applications or missing documentation may result in exclusion from the selection process. Applicants are advised to upload all required documents well before the deadline.
Selection Procedure
The selection process is designed to assess both academic preparation and research potential. According to the programme information, candidates are evaluated through:
Evaluation of Qualifications
The admissions committee reviews each applicant’s academic achievements, qualifications, previous research experience, and supporting documentation. Particular attention is given to:
- Academic performance
- Previous research activities
- Scientific publications (where applicable)
- Curriculum quality
- Overall suitability for doctoral research
Oral Examination
Applicants who successfully pass the first evaluation stage are invited to participate in an oral examination. The interview allows the selection committee to evaluate:
- Scientific knowledge
- Research aptitude
- Motivation
- Communication skills
- Ability to discuss research topics within the Agro-Food System field
- International candidates may participate
International Research Experience
International mobility is a compulsory component of the doctoral programme. Doctoral candidates are expected to spend part of their research period abroad, working with partner universities or research institutions. Benefits of international mobility include:
- Access to specialized laboratories
- Joint research projects
- International supervision
- Scientific networking
- Exposure to different research methodologies
- Enhanced academic profile
This international dimension significantly strengthens graduates’ competitiveness within the global research community.
Research Skills Developed During the Programme
Throughout the three-year doctorate, students develop advanced competencies in:
- Scientific research methodology
- Experimental design
- Data analysis
- Laboratory techniques
- Scientific writing
- Academic publishing
- Grant proposal preparation
- Conference presentations
- Project management
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
These transferable skills are highly valued in both academic and non-academic careers.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Agro-Food System PhD programme are well prepared for careers in a wide range of sectors. Potential career destinations include:
Academic Research
Many graduates continue their careers as:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University lecturers
- Research scientists
- Principal investigators
Public Research Institutions
Opportunities exist within:
- National agricultural research centres
- Environmental agencies
- Food safety authorities
- Government research institutes
Private Industry
Doctoral graduates are increasingly employed by:
- Food companies
- Biotechnology firms
- Agricultural technology companies
- Seed and crop protection industries
- Sustainability consultancies
- Precision agriculture companies
The Agro-Food System PhD offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to research that addresses some of the world’s most significant challenges. Students benefit from:
- A highly respected Italian university.
- Twenty-two funded scholarships.
- International research opportunities.
- Interdisciplinary scientific training.
- Collaboration with leading researchers.
- Access to advanced laboratories.
- Strong links with industry and research institutions.
- Excellent career prospects in academia, government, and the private sector.
For graduates passionate about sustainable agriculture, food innovation, biotechnology, and environmental research, this programme provides an exceptional platform for developing advanced scientific expertise.
International Organizations
Graduates may also work with organizations involved in:
- Food security
- Rural development
- Environmental protection
- Sustainable agriculture
- International development cooperation
Important Dates
Applicants should carefully note the key dates for the competition.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 9 September 2026 |
| Closing Time | 11:59 PM (Italian Time) |
Late applications are generally not accepted. Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications.
How to Apply:
Before beginning the application process, applicants should carefully read the complete call for applications and prepare all required documents. The university recommends submitting applications well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical difficulties. Call for applications for admission to the PhD programme in Science established at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – cycle XLII – Brescia campus. Deadline: Thursday 10 September 2026 – 12.00 noon (Italian time): DOWNLOAD THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Applications must be submitted through the doctoral admissions system of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore: https://dottorati.unicatt.it/en/candidarsi/i-bandi/iscrizione-al-concorso.html
Contact Information
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore PhD Office Email: dottorati.ricerca-mi@unicatt.it The admissions office can assist applicants with questions regarding the application procedure, documentation requirements, and doctoral regulations. PHD ADMISSIONS FAQ
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