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Duration: 3 years Location: Department of Experimental Medicine Coordinator: Prof. Umberto Galderisi PhD School: Life Sciences |
The PhD in Public Health is characterised by a strongly multidisciplinary approach, drawing on the expertise and experience of the academic staff in key areas such as hygiene, epidemiology, biostatistics, cellular and molecular biology, innovative diagnostics, infectious diseases, bioethics, forensic and occupational medicine, as well as health economic evaluation.
The PhD
Health and well-being for all is one of the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda, but today it is under threat from an ageing population, chronic diseases and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To tackle these challenges, we need new skills, advanced research and an integrated approach to health, in line with the One Health model, which recognises the connection between human, animal and environmental health.
It is against this backdrop that the PhD in Public Health has been established, a multidisciplinary and cross-cutting programme combining biomedical, economic and social sciences. The aim is to train professionals capable of developing effective health policies, diagnostic innovations, prevention strategies and sustainable organisational models.
The programme is fully aligned with the PNRR and the National Research Programme, aiming to strengthen health services, ensure equitable access to care and integrate social and health services.
Through a highly qualified teaching team, the PhD programme trains experts in epidemiology, hygiene, biostatistics, molecular biology, infectious diseases, forensic medicine, bioethics and health economics. Professionals ready to lead the future of public health.
Learning objectives
The PhD programme in Public Health, open to both Italian and international students, aims to train highly qualified researchers capable of tackling global health challenges through a multidisciplinary and innovation-oriented approach.
The programme promotes a solid theoretical and methodological grounding, integrating biomedical, social, economic and managerial skills. PhD students acquire the tools to design, develop and evaluate public health interventions, with training covering key areas such as:
- Epidemiology and Health Planning
- Social and Occupational Medicine
- Advanced Diagnostics and Personalised Medicine
- Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
The programme is characterised by a strongly interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, a key element in addressing the complexity of contemporary public health needs.
The programme is structured across several levels:
- Scientific teaching, with courses on public health research methods
- English language and digital skills, to operate in international contexts
- Practical experience, through involvement in real-world research projects, in collaboration with public bodies, universities, research centres and international partners
The ultimate aim is to prepare professionals capable of contributing actively and innovatively to the development of public health, both in research and in the governance of health systems, promoting health, well-being and equity.
Career opportunities
The PhD programme in Public Health trains highly qualified professionals capable of conducting and coordinating scientific research and planning activities in key sectors of healthcare, in both the public and private sectors.
Thanks to a strongly interdisciplinary approach, the programme offers PhD students the opportunity to integrate knowledge from various fields – from biomedicine to health economics, from bioethics to advanced diagnostics – within a unified and innovative framework. This approach enables a structured examination of the many facets of public health, with a focus on efficiency, equity and sustainability.
The programme prepares professionals who are able to:
- Assessing public health risks and developing prevention and diagnosis strategies
- Designing systems and interventions capable of reducing the economic and social impact of diseases
- Working in the organisation and management of health services, including in terms of economic evaluation
- Addressing new bioethical challenges linked to biomedical and technological innovation
Career prospects cover a wide range of opportunities:
- Universities and public and private research bodies, including for academic careers
- Agencies and departments of the National Health Service and the Public Administration
- Companies and industries in the social-healthcare and biotechnology sectors
- Fields related to scientific communication, consultancy and private practice
The PhD programme thus responds to the growing need for management and healthcare decisions based on sound scientific evidence, moving beyond purely political considerations and making a concrete contribution to the advancement of public health.
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:
Members of the Teaching Staff
- Prof. Renato Franco - Presidente della Commissione
- Prof. Alessandro Feola
- Prof. Giovanni Di Bernardo
- Prof. Francesco Napolitano
- Prof.ssa Claudia Zagaria
PhD student
- Dr.ssa Maria Casillo
Other components
- Prof. Mari Dezawa, Tohoko University, Sendai (Giappone)
- Dr.ssa Michela Morelli, Biologa
- Dottor Vincenzo Giordano, Responsabile dell’Unità Operativa Dirigenziale (UOD) Prevenzione e igiene sanitaria - prevenzione e tutela della salute e della sicurezza negli ambienti di vita e lavoro della Regione Campania
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.
