PhD programmes - Science and Technology

Details about funded positions - 39th Cycle - Curriculum 4

(4A) Study on the physico-chemical processes of formation and destruction of molecular compounds due to energetic reactions of single and multiple-charged ions and/or in electrical discharges - E66E23000110001

Funding institution: University of Trento
Doctoral site:    University of Trento – Department of Physics
Contact: Prof. Daniela Ascenzi [daniela.ascenzi [at] unitn.it] - Prof. Luca Matteo Martini [luca.martini.1 [at] unitn.it]
Funds: NRRP, M4C1 inv. 4.1, NRRP research
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

Research objectives:

  • Obtaining ground-based laboratory data to support future and advancing space missions
  • Measurements of absolute ion-molecule reaction and charge transfer cross sections with control of internal excitation.
  • Simulation of physico-chemical processes triggered by the presence of radical and ionic species using plasmas and electrical discharges in the laboratory.
  • Development of suitable methodologies and physico-chemical models to predict the effects of space weather on the Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere

Research activity:
The research activity aims to perform laboratory experiments and simulations for the validation and model develpment of planetary ionospheres (e.g. Jovian magnetosphere, exospheres of Jupiter's icy moons, Saturn's ionosphere). The experiments will make use of: a) plasmas and electrical discharges to simulate the physico-chemical processes triggered by the presence of radical species and single- and multiply-charged ions, both atomic and molecular (e.g. containing H, O, S or N atoms); b) tandem mass spectrometry techniques for the measurement of reactive cross sections/charge transfer in ion/molecule collisions as a function of the velocity of the ions and their degree of internal excitation. The formation/destruction mechanisms of molecules and ions will be investigated. A system of particular interest will concern the formation/destruction mechanisms of nitrogen-containing molecules/ions/aerosols (e.g. NH3, NH4+), relevant both for understanding how Jupiter's meteorology (storm generation and lightning) influences the distribution of ammonia and aerosols derived from it, and for Saturn's ionosphere, where a recent re-evaluation of data from the Cassini mission revealed the presence, in addition to protons and light charged species, of complex molecular species such as water, methane and ammonia.
The compulsory mobility abroad will be at the University Paris-Saclay, Institut de Chimie Physique. A co-direction agreement will be possible under the joint supervision of Dr. Roland Thissen (France) and Daniela Ascenzi (Italy).

(4B) Investigating the role of the vestibular system in human neurocognitive response to space environment - E66E23000110001

Funding institution: University of Turin
Doctoral site: University of Turin, Department of Psychology    
Contact: Prof.ssa Raffaella Giovanna Nella Ricci [raffaella.ricci [at] unito.it]
Funds: NRRP, M4C1 inv. 4.1, NRRP research
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

Human performance and well-being in the space environment are crucial for the success of manned space missions. To assure maximum performance capabilities and psycho-physical well-being during spaceflight and space missions, the effects of space conditions on human neurocognitive response and psycho-physical well-being need to be clarified. Although the vestibular system has been shown to play a crucial role in space motion sickness and space adaptation syndrome, its role on the effects that the space environment induces on neurocognitive response is poorly understood. The aim of the present project is to investigate the role of the vestibular system in human neurocognitive response to space environment. To this end, well-established and novel experimental protocols, multiple neuroimaging and physiological techniques will be employed.

(4C) Modifiability of Interoceptive accuracy and sensitivity by mental training - E66E23000110001

Funding institution: University of Pisa
Doctoral site: University of Pisa    
Contact: Prof.ssa Enrica Laura Santarcangelo [enrica.santarcangelo [at] unipi.it]
Funds: NRRP, M4C1 inv. 4.1, NRRP research
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

Interoception is altered in microgravity, which can influence experience and physiology. Accurate detection of interoceptive signals and their adaptive/non adaptive interpretation, in fact, are relevant to health and behaviour. The proposed study is aimed at improving interoceptive accuracy (measured by heart beat counting and heartbeat related cortical potentials), and interoceptive sensitivity (measured by questionnaires) using mental training focused on visceral signals. The applicants are required to be able to record and analyze ECG (time and frequency domains) and EEG (pretreatment and extraction of heartbeat related cortical potentials), and to perform statistical analysis.

(4D) Genomic signatures of cyanobacterial endurance under space conditions - E66E23000110001

Funding institution: University of Roma “Tor Vergata”
Doctoral site: University of Roma “Tor Vergata”
Contact: Prof.ssa Daniela Billi [billi [at] uniroma2.it]
Funds: NRRP, M4C1 inv. 4.1, NRRP research
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

The main objective is to identify the genetic determinants of the exceptional resistance to ionizing radiation and Mars-like UV flux of desert strains of the genus Chroococcidiopsis. This goal will be achieved by and genomic and transcriptomic analyses of 3 selected cyanobactreial isolates, that were previously exposed to space and Mars-like UV flux in low Earth Orbit. The sequenced genome will be investigated for the presence genes encoding DNA repair enzymes, UV-protecting pigments and DNA protecting genes. Transcriptomic analysis will be performed during the early phase of the recovery after the exposure to ionizing radiation and Mars-like UV flux.

(4E) Space Biomedicine and BioEngineering for Future Human Space Exploration - E66E23000110001

Funding institution: University of Roma “Tor Vergata”
Doctoral site: University of Roma “Tor Vergata”    
Contact: Prof.ssa Myrka Zago [myrka.zago [at] uniroma2.it]
Funds: NRRP, M4C1 inv. 4.1, NRRP research
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

Future human space exploration programs involve extraordinary milestones for the sustainable development of our civilization and our social and economic well-being, but at the same time pose enormous challenges to human health. The main objective of the research is to study the health risks related to human space exploration and developing solutions to reduce those risks. The PhD in Space Sciences and Technology offered by the University of Rome Tor Vergata on the topic of Space Biomedicine and BioEngineering for Future Human Space Exploration aims at providing students with the theoretical background and methodological skills for carrying out cutting-edge research in the following fields: Bioengineering modelling of Human Motor Control, Space Biomedical and Life Support Sciences, Human Factors for the Design of Space Habitats, Biomechanics and Control of Movement in Hypogravity, Neurovestibular, Sensory and Cognitive Deconditioning, Musculoskeletal Deconditioning in Hypogravity.