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Duration: 3 years Location: Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences Coordinator: Prof.ssa Katherine Esposito PhD School: Life Sciences |
The PhD in Translational Medicine represents an integration between biomedical research, innovative pharmacological tools, biomarkers, clinical protocols and advanced technologies, which aims to increase knowledge about specific diseases and the mechanisms of action of drugs, and to understand their therapeutic efficacy in humans..
The PhD
Translational medicine represents an integration between biomedical research, innovative pharmacological tools, biomarkers, clinical protocols and advanced technologies, which aims to increase knowledge about specific diseases and the mechanisms of action of drugs, and to understand their therapeutic efficacy in humans.
The PhD in Translational Medicine takes an interdisciplinary approach in order to transfer the latest achievements in basic science to clinical practice. Students will learn how to independently carry out an experimental project, use instruments and methods in their chosen field of study, interpret experimental results, learn clinical research methods, and identify links between basic disciplines and specific clinical conditions.
The programme will produce researchers capable of conducting applied biomedical research at an appropriate level of specialisation.
The diversity and complexity of the research topics carried out in the laboratories of the professors and tutors of the doctoral programme constitute the intrinsic added value of the training programme. The translational research programme aims to train researchers capable of developing research projects that bridge the gap between laboratory activities and clinical sciences.
The main objective is to acquire a solid foundation in the methodological disciplines necessary for the correct formulation of experimental hypotheses, the definition of experimental designs and the critical interpretation of results.
The PhD programme in Translational Medicine at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli pursues objectives consistent with the themes of the PNRR, ensuring that PhD students have access to qualified and specific operational and scientific facilities for their study and research activities.
The PhD programme promotes the enhancement of research results and guarantees the protection of intellectual property, ensuring open access to research results and related data in the shortest possible time and with the fewest possible restrictions, in accordance with the principles of Open Science and FAIR Data. In addition, the PhD programme includes teaching activities for language and IT skills development, research management and knowledge of European and international research systems, and the promotion of research results and intellectual property. These activities are functional to the achievement of the educational objectives of the PhD programme, as defined by the Dublin descriptors for the third cycle of education relating to the EHEA (European Higher Education Area).
Learning objectives
The objectives of the PhD programme in Translational Medicine are:
- To acquire the experimental procedures necessary to solve research problems; to know how to interpret the data obtained, how to present it at scientific conferences, and how to organise it for the preparation of a scientific publication.
- To learn a translational scientific research pathway aimed at promoting dialogue between biological and clinical-behavioural discoveries and preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative practice, in order to improve health and lifestyles, also in view of the global trend towards increased life expectancy.
- To understand the ethical implications of biological and clinical research.
- Drafting and publishing papers in high-impact international journals.
- Training in biomedical sciences.
- Acquisition of techniques for pharmacological and toxicological research.
- Conducting clinical pharmacology and clinical research studies.
- Acquisition of technical skills in the field of biotechnology applied to the biomedical sector.
- Transfer of results obtained from basic research to the clinical areas mainly involved in the PhD programme.
- Designing and carrying out original research and finally preparing one's final PhD thesis and discussing it in front of national and foreign examiners. The thesis must contribute to the advancement of knowledge or methodologies in the chosen field of investigation.
Career opportunities
The PhD in Translational Medicine provides access to various career opportunities at research institutions, universities, and public and private companies. In particular, opportunities include:
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Local health authorities
- Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalisation and Healthcare (IRCCS)
- Pharmaceutical companies active in the fields of interest of the PhD programme
- Manufacturing companies for biotechnological development
- Public and private research centres
- National Health Service (NHS)
Self-assessment and guidance committee
In order to monitor the progress of doctoral activities as a whole, assess the consistency of the activities carried out with the educational objectives, and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the doctoral training process, also in relation to its employment opportunities and the integration of highly innovative professional paths, The Coordinator identifies, from among the members of each Teachers' Council of the three active cycles, the members of the Self-Assessment Committee and the Steering Committee.
Currently, the Self-Assessment Commission and Steering Committee of the Doctorate in Translational Medicine is composed of:
1. Self-Assessment Committee:
- Chair: Prof. Lucia Altucci
- Academic Member: Prof. Maria Ida Maiorino
- PhD Student Representative: Dr Rita Matrone
2. Steering Committee (Stakeholders):
- Prof. Miriam Longo (PhD and Research Fellow at the University of Link)
- Dr Gregorio Favale (Merck)
- Dr Federico Serra (Health Observatory – Senate of the Republic)
- Prof. Federica Sarno (University of Groningen)
Advisory Board
The PhD Program’s Advisory Board is a strategic advisory body composed of experts from the international academic community and leading figures from industry and institutions.
Its role is to link scientific research to the needs of the outside world, ensuring that the program maintains high standards and a strong focus of innovation. Through regular discussions, the Board helps define the programme’s educational objectives, promote its international outreach and identify suitable career opportunities for PhD students.
It is composed as follows:
Prof. Pierpaolo Trimboli (University of Italian Switzerland - CH)
Prof. Luigina Romani (University of Perugia)
Prof. Alessandro Fiorenzano (Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)
Alumni Committee
The Alumni Committee is the representative body for PhD graduates who have obtained their degrees from this programme. It forms a permanent professional community aimed at strengthening the bond between the University and its graduates, fostering continuity in the relationship between the world of academic research and various professional contexts.
Its members are:
- Dr Chiara Papulino, PhD
- Dr Lorenzo Scappaticcio, PhD
- Dr Lucia Scisciola, PhD
Minutes of the ex-Alumni Committee:
PhD students' opinions
Every year, Vanvitelli University conducts a survey to gather feedback from PhD students at the end of each academic year, with the aim of gathering information on the various aspects of the research training program and the services and opportunities that accompany it.
- For the I and II year, access to the evaluation questionnaire is via the University’s institutional credentials, and complete anonymity of responses is guaranteed - Go to the teaching evaluation questionnaire
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For the III year, the end-of-course evaluation questionnaire is managed by Alma Laurea and can be accessed once the PhD student has registered, prior to the final examination - Go to the questionnaire
Results
- For the I and II year: PhD Student Opinions (SISVALDIDAT system)
- For the III year: PhD students’ opinions (AlmaLaurea)
In addition, the AlmaLaurea inter-university consortium compiles annual data on behalf of the University regarding PhD graduates’ academic trajectories and employment status after obtaining their degree.
