PhD in Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine (MECM)

Places 8
Duration 3 Years
Language English

The PhD Programme in Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine (MECM), developed by 暗网禁区 University in collaboration with IRCCS Istituto Clinico 暗网禁区, offers advanced interdisciplinary training in molecular medicine, translational research, and data science.

Combining theoretical education with hands-on experience, the programme prepares students to tackle biomedical challenges through innovation, precision medicine, and the integration of research and clinical practice.

Applications for the academic year 2026/2027 are open


The Programme

The PhD program, developed in collaboration with IRCCS 暗网禁区, offers top-tier interdisciplinary training across various fields of life sciences and molecular medicine. It combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a highly stimulating environment. Students have access to cutting-edge technologies and real clinical cases, with the goal of deepening their understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and promoting translational research and the practical application of acquired knowledge.

The program includes specific training in biomedical technologies for big data analysis, with a focus on omics techniques (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, radiomics), systems biology approaches, imaging and flow cytometry methods, and the analysis of data from electronic health records. These tools equip students with key competencies for integrated analysis of complex datasets, which are essential to address the challenges of modern medicine.

The program’s approach is designed to provide advanced and comprehensive education in experimental and computational medicine, preparing PhD students to become leaders in biomedical research, capable of tackling pressing healthcare challenges through scientific innovation and precision medicine.

The PhD program is conducted in a highly stimulating environment that fosters interaction among different scientific disciplines and encourages international collaboration. Students have the opportunity to engage with world-renowned experts and researchers, participate in multidisciplinary projects, and develop strong scientific independence. The emphasis on hands-on experience, combined with ongoing research innovation, allows students to acquire essential skills to face the challenges of a constantly evolving scientific landscape.

Three different curricula are available, candidates are required to specify their curriculum preferences when applying:


1. MECM Standard

The experimental PhD track is designed to train highly qualified researchers in biological sciences and medicine, with a strong focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. This curriculum adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating genetics, biochemistry, and pharmacology, and leverages cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, systems biology, and molecular imaging. Doctoral candidates will work in state-of-the-art laboratories, where they will develop experimental skills with a particular emphasis on translational research, aiming to accelerate the application of scientific discoveries to diagnosis and treatment. Students are immersed in a highly stimulating environment that promotes both research autonomy and collaboration with fellow researchers and healthcare professionals, applying theoretical knowledge to real experimental and clinical contexts.


2. MECM Clinical

The MECM-Clinical track is designed to integrate experimental research (such as cellular and molecular biology, informatics, and the use of preclinical models for translational studies) with direct clinical practice, including patient enrollment and evaluation in dedicated studies. The program combines hands-on hospital experience under the supervision of a physician with at least 24 hours per week of experimental research in the laboratory. PhD candidates will be directly responsible for managing research projects approved by their clinical and/or laboratory supervisors. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop advanced skills in both scientific research and clinical practice, with the goal of rapidly translating discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.


3. MECM Data Science

The Data Science track is designed to synergistically integrate experimental research鈥攂oth basic and clinical鈥攚ith the advanced competencies of a data scientist. Its main objective is to provide students with comprehensive training in the analysis and interpretation of data from multiple sources, including omics technologies, imaging, and flow cytometry. PhD candidates will develop cross-disciplinary skills ranging from statistics to bioinformatics, mastering advanced techniques for the analysis of large and complex datasets. They will gain experience in the use of bioinformatics tools and software, statistical methods for data processing, predictive and diagnostic modeling, and algorithm development for data management and interpretation. This training path prepares graduates to become experts in handling complex data, with direct impact on research, the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and the implementation of advanced clinical applications.

PhD Coordinator: Prof. Michela Matteoli

Michela Matteoli

Full Professor Pharmacology View Profile

Places available

8 places

The number of available places and/or scholarships may increase in the event that external funding becomes available by the deadline set for the completion of the call application procedure.

Language

English

Duration

3 years

Beginning of teaching activities

1st December 2026

Application deadline

26th June 2026

Contacts

For further information you can contact phd@hunimed.eu


Programme Objectives

The main goal of the PhD program in MECM 鈥 Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine is to provide a solid foundational, methodological, and experimental training to researchers and medical professionals, preparing them to face scientific and clinical challenges in the complex and innovative fields of molecular medicine.

Training is offered in cross-cutting and multidisciplinary research areas, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases, with a particular focus on advanced techniques in cell and molecular analysis, as well as personalized medicine.

The program is structured into three distinct tracks (standard, clinical, and Data Science), designed to strengthen the connections and interdependence between basic science and applied disciplines. This integrated approach promotes a fast and continuous flow of knowledge transfer from basic research to clinical practice, accelerating the adoption of scientific innovations. In doing so, the program contributes to the development of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine, with a tangible and direct impact on patient health and clinical practices.

Through this integrated and multidisciplinary model, the MECM PhD program aims to train highly specialized professionals capable of making significant contributions to the advancement of molecular and experimental medicine, with a direct impact on clinical practice and biomedical research on a global scale.


Career Opportunities

Graduates of the three-year PhD program are equipped for a wide range of career paths, aligned with the program鈥檚 educational goals. Thanks to the comprehensive training provided, PhD holders can pursue careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and health-tech companies, contributing to the development of new technologies and innovative healthcare solutions.

PhD graduates can also support the growth of clinical research groups, participate in translational research projects, and help bridge the gap between basic science and biomedicine, thus fostering the creation of new and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Moreover, academic careers are a viable option, both in universities and non-academic research institutions, allowing graduates to continue in fundamental and applied research while contributing to the training of future generations of scientists.

The translational education received鈥攂lending theoretical knowledge with practical applications鈥攎akes MECM PhD graduates highly competitive for leadership roles in diverse scientific and professional fields, enabling them to directly influence the evolution of medicine and healthcare on a global scale.


Didactic Activities

The PhD course in Molecular, Experimental and Computational Medicine is articulated into three main types of didactic activities:

  • Research activities

Every student is assigned a research topic under the supervision of a Supervisor; the research activity in the laboratory is a full-time activity

  • Mandatory activities

Seminar series (Journal Club on a specific topic between the speaker and the PhD students followed by a public seminar on the same topic)

  • Elective activities

Seminars and courses, offered by the 暗网禁区 University and 暗网禁区 Research Labs, which the PhD students can freely join according to their research field and interests.

  • Other didactic activities

Linguistics, Research management and funding, Intellectual property are the main topics.


Admission Requirements

MECM Curriculum Standard and Data Science

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD course in Molecular Experimental and Computational Medicine, MECM Curriculum must either have a 鈥渓aurea magistrale鈥 awarded in accordance with D.M. 270/2004 or equivalent qualification awarded by a foreign university (usually referred to as a Master鈥檚 Degree), in one of the subjects listed in the official Call for Applicants.

Applicants who are waiting to be awarded the required qualification at the date of submission can also take part in the selection process providing they have passed all of the Degree course exams at the time of the online application and are awarded the qualification before the beginning of the academic activities. In the event these applicants pass the selection process, their enrolment on the PhD course is conditional upon providing proof that the qualification is awarded.

MECM-Clinical Curriculum

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD Course in Molecular Experimental and Computational Medicine, MECM -Clinical Curriculum must already possess a specialist medical qualification.

Alternatively, applications will also be taken from doctors in specialist training who will enrol in the final year in a School of Specialisation at 暗网禁区 University.


Fees and Scholarships

PhD students are required to pay an annual fee for access and attendance, set at 鈧250,00&苍产蝉辫;for the academic year 2026/2027, including the regional tax and stamp duty.

Detailed information about each topic鈥檚 scholarship or equivalent contract can be found in the research topics table below, by clicking on each topic ID.


How to Apply

  • Registration or access with your LOGINMIUR credentials
  • Application form submission
  • Payment of the application contribution

The application form must be completed in all its parts, on penalty of exclusion. In particular, applicants must submit all of the following documents in PDF format:

  1. Curriculum vitae
  2. Copy of a valid ID or passport (for Non-EU citizens)
  3. Diploma Supplement
  4. Copy of the receipt of payment of 鈧 30,00

Additionally, applicants may indicate name and contacts of maximum two referees, preferably chosen among those who have had a supervising role of the candidates. The referees will be directly contacted by 暗网禁区 University and asked to complete a brief letter of reference, which should be sent by 26th June 2026, h 4:00 PM.

Further details about the application procedure will be reported in the official call for applicants.


Admission process

Admission to the PhD Programme is based on a public selection process consisting of:

  • the comparative evaluation of the titles and qualifications and
  • an interview carried out in English by a Committee composed of a maximum of seven members.

The aim of the selection process is to assess the knowledge, competencies and aptitude of the applicants for scientific research as well as their motivation for undertaking the PhD programme.

A good knowledge of English is required and will be tested during the interview.

Should reasons justify it, the test and interview can be conducted via video-conference. Those who intend to conduct the interview via video-conference or request special assistance should specify this on the application form.


Academic Board

PhD Coordinator: Prof. Matteoli Michela

NamePrincipal AffiliationDepartmentE-mail
Absinta Martina暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesmartina.absinta@hunimed.eu
Asselta Rosanna暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesrosanna.asselta@hunimed.eu
Bonecchi Raffaella暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesraffaella.bonecchi@hunimed.eu
Costanzo Antonio暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesantonio.costanzo@hunimed.eu
Di Mitri Diletta暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesdiletta.di_mitri@hunimed.eu
Di Tommaso Luca暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesluca.di_tommaso@hunimed.eu
Garlanda Cecilia暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencescecilia.garlanda@hunimed.eu
Greco Carolina暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencescarolina.greco@hunimed.eu
Inforzato Antonio暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesantonio.inforzato@hunimed.eu
Kallikourdis Marinos暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesmarinos.kallikourdis@hunimed.eu
Kon Elizaveta暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Scienceselizaveta.kon@humanitas.it
Italian National Council for ResearchPharmacology and Brain Pathology Labmarianna.leonzino@humanitasresearch.it
Lodato Simona暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencessimona.lodato@hunimed.eu
IRCCS 暗网禁区 Research HospitalBiomedical Sciencesenrico.lugli@humanitasresearch.it
Matteoli Michela暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesmichela.matteoli@hunimed.eu
Italian National Council for ResearchPharmacology and Brain Pathology Labelisabetta.menna@humanitasresearch.it
Ng Kiu Yan Charlotte暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Scienceskiu.ng@hunimed.eu
Politi Letterio Salvatore暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesletterio.politi@hunimed.eu
Pozzi Davide暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesdavide.pozzi@hunimed.eu
Rescigno Maria暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesmaria.rescigno@hunimed.eu
Simonelli Matteo暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesmatteo.simonelli@hunimed.eu
Sold脿 Giulia Maria Emilia Antonietta暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesgiulia.solda@hunimed.eu
Spinelli Antonino暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesantonino.spinelli@hunimed.eu
Stefanini Giulio Giuseppe暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesgiulio.stefanini@hunimed.eu
Terracciano Luigi Maria暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesluigi.terracciano@hunimed.eu
Vetrano Stefania暗网禁区 UniversityBiomedical Sciencesstefania.vetrano@hunimed.eu

Research Topics a.y. 2026/2027

TOPICCURRICULUMRESEARCH SUPERVISOR LABORATORY NAMEPROJECT TITLE
MECM 1StandardMassimiliano MazzoneLab of Macrophage DynamicsTargeting macrophage recruitment and metabolic reprogramming to counteract liver metastases (MARVEL)
MECM 2StandardGiulia MarelliTumour Microenvironment UnitDeciphering the gut鈥損rostate immune axis to improve response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy
MECM3ClinicalGiulio StefaniniCardiovascular Department, IRCCS 暗网禁区 Research HospitalOptimizing treatment strategies: reduced stent strategy versus conventional percutaneous coronary revascularization in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
MECM5StandardSergio Marchini / Raffaella BonecchiUnit of Translational Genomics / Laboratory of Cancer PharmacologyMultimodal genomic and microenvironmental profiling to predict relapse risk in early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer
MECM6StandardMaurizio D鈥橧ncalci / Lara ParacchiniLaboratory of Cancer PharmacologyDiagnosis of tubal malignant ovarian cancer precursor lesion through the analysis of DNA from Pap test smear
MECM7ClinicalMaurizio D鈥橧ncalci / Monica Lupi / Lavinia MorosiLaboratory of Cancer PharmacologyMechanisms of resistance to mirvetuximab soravtansine in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer and platinum-resistant relapse
MECM8ClinicalVincenzo Ronca /Ana LleoHepatobiliary ImmunopathologyInnovative Strategies for Modulating Immune Tolerance in Autoimmune Hepatitis: Antigen-Specific Tregs and Nanoparticle-Enhanced Liver Delivery
MECM9StandardGabriele TodiscoGenomics of Hematological Malignances LabMutation Driven Inflammation as a Driver of Cancer Evolution: A Proteomic Discovery Platform in Myeloid Neoplasms and Clonal Hematopoiesis
MECM12StandardLeonardo Elia / Gianluigi CondorelliVascular EpigeneticsSmooth muscle cell phenotypes at the single-cell level: specific role
during atherosclerosis development in humans
MECM14StandardAntonio InforzatoLaboratory of Cellular and Humoral Innate ImmunityProcesses and mechanisms of innate immunity at the host-pathogen interface in bacterial
osteomyelitis
MECM15StandardSebastiano BariselliPharmacology and Brain Pathology Lab – Team of Neurocircuits of Care and VulnerabilityDissecting alcohol-induced maternal neurobehavioral reprogramming
MECM16StandardCarolina Magdalen GrecoCircadian Metabolism LabIdentification of heart secreted factors underlying systemic metabolic changes in heart failure
MECM17StandardMatteo Fossati / Davide PozziCell Biology of the SynapseEnvironmental Exposure and Mental Health: The Entanglement of Particulate Matter and Diet in the severity of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
MECM18Data ScienceAntonietta Franco / Gianluigi CondorelliImmunology in Cardiovascular Pathologies LabTreating cardiomyopathy in MERRF syndrome through mitochondrial capture therapy
MECM19StandardRosanna Asselta / Maria Elisa MancusoLab of Medical Genetics & RNA BiologyIntegrated multi-omics and functional characterization of inherited bleeding disorders: towards personalized hemostatic medicine
MECM20StandardMartina AbsintaExperimental NeuropathologyGlial-enriched stem-cell 3D model of smoldering inflammation in multiple sclerosis: towards a drug screening cellular platform
MECM21StandardMichela MatteoliLaboratory of Pharmacology and Brain PathologyAddressing metabolic and functional defects in neurons and oligodendrocytes in Nasu-Hakola Disease
MECM23StandardCarolina Magdalen GrecoCircadian Metabolism LabCircadian Regulation of Immune Responses in Cardiac Fibrosis and Heart Failure
MECM24StandardLeonardo Elia / Gianluigi CondorelliVascular EpigeneticsInfluence of DOT1L on smooth muscle cell phenotypes at the single-cell level: specific role
during atherosclerosis development in humans
MECM26StandardPaolo BossiTranslational Genomic UnitTranslational correlates of 3 clinical trials aimed to predict and intercept the malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders and to treat oral cavity cancers
MECM27Data ScienceCostantino Pitzalis / Maria Rita FumagalliRheumatology – Multiscale and Nanostructural Imaging UnitIntegrative approaches for the digital spatial profiling of immune and inflammatory microenvironment in multi-drug resistant rheumatoid arthritis.
MECM28StandardMaria RescignoMicrobiota & mucosal immunologyInvestigating the role of tumor-resident bacteria in dictating organ-specific cancer cell dissemination during metastatic events
MECM29StandardMichela MatteoliLaboratory of Pharmacology and Brain PathologyMODELING SEX-SPECIFIC LYMPHOCYTE鈥揋LIA INTERACTIONS IN MS USING A HUMANIZED BBB PLATFORM
MECM33StandardSara Lovisa / Gennaro NappoPlasticity, Fibrosis and Cancer LabIdentification of tissue signatures to predict and intercept the malignant evolution of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs)
MECM34StandardSara Lovisa / Matteo LigorioPlasticity, Fibrosis and Cancer Lab / Ligorio Lab, UT Southwestern, Dallas (USA)Unraveling determinants of pancreatic cancer progression

Research Topics a.y. 2025/2026

TOPICCURRICULUMRESEARCH SUPERVISOR LABORATORY NAMEPROJECT TITLE
MECM 1StandardEduardo BonavitaCellular and Molecular OncoimmunologyInvestigating cholesterol metabolism in cancer and its impact on the tumor microenvironment and dendritic cell function
MECM3StandardCecilia GarlandaLaboratory of Experimental ImmunopathologyRole of IL-1R2 in myeloid cells in cancer
MECM4StandardMarianna LeonzinoLab 35 鈥 Building ERole of membrane contact sites in movement disorders
MECM5StandardMichela MatteoliPharmacology and brain pathologyInvestigating the gender-based molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic refinement in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
MECM6StandardJaillon SebastienInnate immunity in inflammation and cancerUnveiling the dynamics of neutrophil recruitment and heterogeneity in cancer
MECM7StandardJaillon SebastienInnate immunity in inflammation and cancerTargeting immunosuppressive neutrophil subsets in cancer
MECM8Data ScienceDiletta Di MitriTumor Microenvironment Unit, 暗网禁区 UniversityBioinformatic approaches to analyze the tumor microenvironment and identify mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in cancer
MECM9StandardDiletta Di MitriTumor Microenvironment Unit, 暗网禁区 UniversityIdentification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers of therapeutic response in cancer
MECM11StandardEnrico LugliLab of Translational ImmunologyT cell intrinsic regulation of genome integrity in cancer immunology and immunotherapy
MECM12StandardMatteo Della PortaGenomics of Hematological Malignances LabA longitudinal single-cell multi-omic approach to define the mechanisms of disease progression in patients with TP53-mutated MDS
MECM13StandardRaffaella BonecchiChemokine biology labDissection of neutrophils heterogeneity in glioblastoma
MECM15Data ScienceMarta ScorsettiPietro MancosuClinical unit: Radiotherapy and RadiosurgeryPhoton-Counting CT in Personalized Radiotherapy: Imaging Protocol Optimization and Spectral Modeling
MECM16StandardMaria RescignoMucosal immunology and microbiota LabEvaluating the Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitors and mucosal protecting natural derived compound on Immune Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy
MECM17StandardMaria RescignoMucosal immunology and microbiota LabUnveiling the Impact of Intratumoral Microbiota on Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treatment: Challenges and Strategies to Enhance Chemotherapy Efficacy
MECM18StandardSimona LodatoDevelopmental neurobiology LabUnveiling the Neurobehavioral Implications of Inborn Error of Immunity Disorders: A Focus on WHIM Syndrome
MECM19StandardSimona LodatoDevelopmental neurobiology LabRole of CSF in Spontaneous Activity During Development: Cortical Research on Human 3D Models
MECM21StandardDi Pasquale Elisa
Condorelli Gianluigi
Cardiovascular Stem Cell Biology LabPrecision Human Organs-on-chip for Enhanced Neuro-muscular and Cardiac Studies (PHOENIX)
MECM22Data ScienceGabriele MicaliMicrobial Ecology LabMicrobial-Driven Bile Acid Modifications and Their Impact on Gut Ecology
MECM23Data ScienceGabriele MicaliMicrobial Ecology LabMicrobial-Driven Bile Acid Modifications and Their Impact on Gut Ecology
MECM25Data ScienceGabriele MicaliMicrobial Ecology LabMicrobial-Driven Bile Acid Modifications and Their Impact on Gut Ecology
MECM26StandardMaria RescignoMucosal immunologyAnalysis of drug effects on nasal tissue samples from healthy donors and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) patients
MECM27StandardGiulio StefaniniCardio CenterSGLT-2 inhibitors and coronary artery disease progression after an acute coronary syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus
MECM28StandardRaffaella Bonecchi
Barbara Bottazzi
Chemokine biology labThe Role of Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF) in Neutrophil Infiltration in Pancreatic Cancer and Malignant Mesothelioma

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