PhD National Programme in Space Science and Technology - SST
The University of Trento announces a public selection procedure for admission to the 39th cycle (academic year 2023/2024) of the National Doctoral Programme in “Space Science and Technology - SST”.
In List of Calls for Phd positions, announcements of selection from past years are available.
Announcement of selection - A.Y. 2023-2024
Rector's Decree no. 440 of 07/06/2023, published in this webpage on 07/06/2023.
*please note that only the Italian version of the call is legally binding, the English version is provided for information only.
Positions: 55+1
Scholarships: 53+1
Positions without scholarship: 2
Supernumerary positions: 2 (art. 8 of the Call)
The Academic year starts November 1, 2023
Duration of the PhD Programme: 3 years
May also be admitted on additional positions candidates selected by special committees for admission related to specific international mobility programmes involving the participating Universities and Research Institutions.
How to apply
To partecipate to the selection procedure, fill in the application online within the deadline.
Deadline for application: July 6th, 2023, hrs. 4.00 PM (Italian time)
Applicants are advised to register well in advance of the deadline. The University shall not be considered responsible for any dysfunctions due to technical problems and/or overload of the communication line and/or of the OS, for the loss of communication due to incorrect address details or late communication about possible change of address of the candidates, or for any other problem and delay due to third parties, unexpected cases or circumstances beyond one’s control.
Details about funded positions
Curriculum 1: Observation of the Universe: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/781/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-1
Curriculum 2: Earth and the Sun-Earth system: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/782/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-2
Curriculum 3: Planetary Sciences: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/783/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-3
Curriculum 4: Astrobiology, Life Sciences and Space Medicine: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/784/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-4
Curriculum 5: Space sensing and instrumentation: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/785/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-5
Curriculum 6: Engineering and satellite platform technologies: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/786/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-6
Curriculum 7: Economics, law and space diplomacy: https://www.unitn.it/phd-sst/787/details-about-funded-positions-39th-cycle-curriculum-7
Positions and scholarships increased after the publication of the call are in bold (indicated with +).
| Curriculum | N. position without scholarship | N. positions with scholarship | Topic of research (Funder) |
| 1 - Observation of the Universe | 10 | 1A - Study of matter-antimatter gravitational interaction at the ALPHA experiment at CERN (University of Brescia) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1B - Data Analysis & Exploitation for Operating Satellite Missions in Astrophysics, Astroparticle & Cosmology (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di studi Avanzati Trieste) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1C - Multi-wavelength observations of Galactic and extragalactic compact objects and transients (Institute of Advanced University Education– IUSS Pavia) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1D - Space-based observations, experiments and modelling for the characterization of the physical properties of cosmic structures, gravitational wave sources, astro-particles and cosmic backgrounds (University of Milano-Bicocca) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1E - Theoretical and phenomenological research in UHECRs (Gran Sasso Science Institute) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1F - Astrophysics of cosmic sources in the era of great observatories (National Institute for Astrophysics - INAF) 1G - Modelling and experimental study of astrophysical processes across the electromagnetic spectrum (University of Pisa) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1H - Space based observations and experiments for the detection of cosmic sources and the characterization of their physical properties (University of Firenze) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1I - Instrument development and calibration for high precision polarimetry of the Cosmic Microwave Background (University of Milano "Statale") DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 1J - Multi-disciplinary applications of new space technologies: from the detection of cosmic radiation to geomorphology (University of Siena) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 |
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| 2 - Earth and the Sun-Earth system |
7 |
2A - Study of the effects due to solid-gas mechanical coupling between the lithosphere and the atmosphere in the case of earthquakes of different intensities (University of Trento) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 2B - Evolution of the system GEOframe/OMS3/CSIP for the building of a Digital Twin of the Hydrology of river Po (University of Trento) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1 - Dottorati per la Pubblica Amministrazione CUP E66E23000170001 2C - Solar Wind – Magnetosphere – Ionosphere coupling for different solar conditions (University of Aquila) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 2D - Space physics and Sun-Earth relations (University of Calabria) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 2E - Artificial intelligence algorithms for space data analysis in the heliosphere (Italian Space Agency - ASI) 2F - Data analysis, instruments and modeling for the study of Space Weather events: from Gamma to near infrared (University of Roma "Tor Vergata") DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 2G - Space Weather studies by detection of high energy particles in the magnetosphere (University of Roma "Tor Vergata") DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 |
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| 3 - Planetary Sciences | 11 | 3A - Machine learning methodologies for the analysis of remote sensing data acquired in planetary and/or Earth observation space missions (University of Trento) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 3.4 - Transizione digitale CUP E66E23000180001 3B - Automatic analysis for planetary sub-surface radar sounder data (Fondazione Bruno Kessler, project ASI JUICE-RIME-E – CUP F83C23000070005) 3C - Theoretical and computational methods in Celestial Mechanics, Astrodynamics and Space Sciences (Istituto Nazionale di Alta Matematica - INDAM) 3D - The impact of dust in extra-terrestrial habitats: development of space instrumentation and physical characterisation in space, in the laboratory and at similar terrestrial sites (e.g. the Sahara Desert) (National Institute for Astrophysics INAF) 3E - Subsurface Radar Sounder on the EnVision mission for the analysis of the Venus subsurface (University of Trento) 3F - Cataloguing space debris: from initial orbit determination to conjunction detection (University of Pisa) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 3G - Internal processes and structure of Ganymede in support of the JUICE mission (University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti - Pescara) 3H - Planetary geology, exploration and space operations on Mars and the Moon (University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti - Pescara) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 3I - Scientific and technological challenge for the italian curation facility (University of Firenze) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 3J - Unveiling Mars through the investigation of meteorites and terrestrial analogues (Italian Space Agency - ASI) 3K - Looking for life: Martian biogenic minerals (Italian Space Agency - ASI) |
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| 4 - Astrobiology, Life Sciences and Space Medicine | 5 | 4A - Study of the physico-chemical processes of formation and destruction of molecular species from reactions of energetic ions and/or in electrical discharges (University of Trento) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1 - Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 4B - Investigating the role of the vestibular system in human neurocognitive response to space environment (Università di Torino) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 4C - Modifiability of Interoceptive accuracy and sensitivity by mental training (University of Pisa) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 4D - Genomic signatures of cyanobacterial endurance under space conditions (University of Roma "Tor Vergata") DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 4E - Space Biomedicine and BioEngineering for Future Human Space Exploration (University of Roma "Tor Vergata") DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 |
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| 5 - Space sensing and instrumentation | 6 | 5A - Modular Antenna Systems for Efficient Long-Range Wireless Power Transmission (University of Trento) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1 - Dottorati per la Pubblica Amministrazione CUP E66E23000170001 5B - Design and prototype characterization of innovative high energy particle detectors for space application (National Institute for Nuclear Physics INFN) 5C - Integrated Photonics for space (National Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications CNIT) 5D - Development of technologies for the use of oriented crystals for observations of astrophysical interest (University of Ferrara) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 5E - X-ray & gamma-ray spectrometer for two space applications: high energy cosmic transients and planetary surfaces (University of Trieste) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 5F - Development of reconfigurable and intelligent RF active components and systems for space applications (RF MICROTECH s.r.l.) DM 117 M4C2 - Inv. 3.3. - Dottorati innovativi CUP E66E23000200008 |
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| 6 - Engineering and satellite platform technologies | 11+1 | 6A - Instruments and mechatronics systems for space applications (Università degli studi di Trento) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 6B - Self-antifrosting microstructured surfaces (Fondazione Bruno Kessler FBK) 6C - Model-based system-software engineering and formal methods for space systems (Fondazione Bruno Kessler FBK) 6D - Technology challenges for “new-space” and “near-space” missions (Università degli studi di Pisa) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 6E - Advanced models for the design and characterization of deployable antennas (Politecnico di Torino) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 6F - Optical fiber sensor systems for spacecraft propulsion monitoring (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 6G - Vacuum microwave active devices for observation and detection of object in the space (Università degli studi di Palermo) 6H - Active and reconfigurable antenna array system development for SATCOM applications (Università degli studi di Trieste) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 6I - Green technologies for a clean and sustainable orbital environment around Earth (Università degli studi di Padova) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1- Ricerca PNRR CUP E66E23000110001 6J - Navigation techniques for space applications (Qascom s.r.l.) DM 117 M4C2 - Inv. 3.3. - Dottorati innovativi CUP E66E23000200008 6K - Geometric Deep Learning for rapid prototyping of stealth drones (Università degli studi di Cagliari) M4C2 - Inv. 3.3. - Dottorati innovativi CUP E66E23000200008 6L - Radiation hard photonic integrated circuits for space applications (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - INFN) - CUP I53C22001460006 (published on 03/07/2023) |
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| 7 - Economics, law and space diplomacy | 2 | 3 | 7A - Space economy and governance, regulations and resources for the management of Earth Observation (Institute of Advanced University Education IUSS) DM 118 M4C1- Inv. 4.1 - Dottorati per la Pubblica Amministrazione CUP E66E23000170001 7B - Law perspectives for sustainability in space science, technology and economy (Sant’Anna School of Advances studies) DM 118 M4C1 – inv 4.1 - Patrimonio Culturale CUP E66E23000190001 7C - Technologies and methodologies for Earth observation and policies of inclusion, competitiveness, and socio-economic and environmental resilience (University of Bari "Aldo Moro") |
Supernumerary positions: 2 (art. 8 of the Call): nr. 2 position.
Applicants who have already closed and sent the application before the publication of additional scholarships can apply for those scholarships by sending an e-mail to ateneo [at] unitn.it, indicating in the subject line: "Application ID - Surname Name - National PhD in Space Science and Technology - 39th cycle - addirional scholarship" and mentioning the new order of preference if necessary.
Please note that candidates may apply for a maximum of 3 scholarships selecting up to two curricula, specifying the order of priority.
Examination’s schedule and results
Assessment schedule: concluded
Oral examination: starting from July 31st, 2023
"All candidates are informed that the results of the assessment of qualifications and the list of candidates admitted to the oral test will be published on this page starting from July 27th, together with the timetable for the oral tests, which will begin on August 1st. All admitted candidates will receive a communication with information on how the oral tests will be conducted".
All interviews will be held exclusively in remote mode through the use of audio-video connection tools that will allow:
- the correct identification of the participants (through a webcam);
- the conduction of the oral test in a public form.
List of exclusions of incomplete applications: -
List of exclusions for not recognized qualification: -
Assessment of qualifications and candidates admitted to the interview: published on July 27th, 2023
Final results: published on September 6th, 2023
Deadline for enrolment:
Position with scholarship: 14/09/2023
Position without scholarship: 20/09/2023
Information about first year enrollment procedure available at the related web page.
Opportunities within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)
More information at https://www.unitn.it/en/phd-nrrp-calls.
Last update: September 6th, 2023