Precision Medicine

PhD Programme

3-year-course

The PhD Programme in Precision Medicine has been established by the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine

Coordinator: Prof. Marco Presta

The PhD Program in Precision Medicine of the Department of Excellence in Molecular and Translational Medicine aims to provide interdisciplinary theoretical/practical training in the biomedical sciences. This to create professionals with methodological tools and knowledge of the advanced strategies necessary for the implementation of models of patient-centered diagnosis and care. In particular, aim of the PhD Program is to train PhD students in the following fields: bioinformatics and biomedical informatics; "omic" sciences (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and interactomics); identification of biomarkers and personalized drugs; identification of new mechanisms of disease; development of innovative models of disease; development of advanced diagnostic technologies.

The PhD program offers:
1) Research projects of high impact in various areas of oncology, immunology, genetics and pharmacology both in the fields of basic and clinical research with particular reference to the issues related to bioinformatics and biomedical informatics, “omic” sciences (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and interactomics), identification of biomarkers and personalized drugs, identification of new disease mechanisms, development of innovative disease models; development of advanced diagnostic technologies.
2) Advanced technological platforms for learning and using innovative technologies based on the following platforms: in vitro and in vivo imaging; genomics equipped with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS); proteomics; macromolecular interactomics; cell diagnostics; Zebrafish.
3) Courses and cycles of seminars; tutoring activities such as Journal Club and Progress Report on research activities.
4) Training stages in Research Centers of Excellence in Italy and abroad.

The PhD Programme in Precision Medicine aims to train professionals with an inter-disciplinary theoretical and technological training in the biomedical sciences to be applied to the issues of precision medicine, with the aim of educating professionals able to deal with highly complex technological and therapeutic strategies and multidisciplinary approaches. These professionals will be equipped with methodological tools and knowledge in the advanced strategies necessary for the implementation of patient-centered models of diagnosis and treatment.
The anticipated occupational and professional opportunities are:
Researcher and/or coordinator of research groups in research centers in Italy (Universities, CNR, Scientific Institutes of Hospitalization and Care);
Researcher and/or coordinator of research groups in public and private health facilities in Italy or abroad;
Coordinator and monitor of clinical pharmacology studies in public and private health facilities in Italy or abroad;
Coordinator of clinical pharmacology studies at pharmaceutical companies in Italy or abroad;
Coordinator of research and/or researcher at small-medium enterprises for biotechnologies and molecular diagnostic centers in Italy or abroad.

The PhD Programme is a III level study programme open to holders of II level degrees (Master of Science degree or similar academic qualification awarded abroad and considered equivalent in terms of duration, level and field of study).

Upon conclusion of the educational and research prospectus, after passing the final exam, the title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is awarded.

The central theme of the Doctoral Course is focused on Precision Medicine, a new aspect of the medical sciences based on the study and characterization of the patient's uniqueness and of his illness, in order to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Precision Medicine therefore requires the contribution of basic and applied knowledge from different areas of biomedical sciences, oncology, genetics, pharmacology, biology, physics and chemistry, as well as the use of different advanced methodologies ranging from proteomics to genomics, from molecular diagnostics to the development of animal models of disease, from cellular and molecular biology to medical and surgical oncology. Thus, the research activity of the PhD students will touch different areas, under the unifying theme of Precision Medicine.

RESEARCH ACTIVITY AND EDUCATION

The training course, defined and managed by the Doctoral Program, takes place over a period of three years and is organized in Credits (CFU) in the number of 180 in the three-year period. The training activity of the PhD program includes teaching and research training activities. 
Research activity
The research activity includes:
Research activity on a specific project under the guidance of a tutor.
In order for the student to improve his/her presentation skills, the following activities will be implemented:
Journal Clubs
Progress report on their research activity
Students are requested  to prepare a periodic report on their research activity to the research group in which they are inserted, and an annual report to the PhD Board.
Participation in seminars in specific areas of research.
The seminars are organized by the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine and by other Departments whose Professors and Researchers are part of the Faculty Board and are taught by experts in the field.
Participation in workshops and technological courses.
Training stages at qualified research centers in Italy or abroad for a maximum of 18 months.
Seminar activity on their research.
Dissemination of research results at national and international conferences.
The student should be the main author of the communication.
Drafting and publication of scientific works in high impact international journals.

EDUCATION

The PhD program will organize courses in common to many of the University Doctorates. They will include, among others, Computer Science, Linguistics, Safety in the workplace, Communication, Research management and financing systems; Explotation of research results and intellectual property.
Courses and cycles of seminars held by professors of the Doctorate and by Italian and foreign professors and researchers outside the PhD program will be defined at the beginning of each year among topics of particular interest.
Optional educational activities: Participation in advanced courses, workshops, summer schools, national or international theoretical-practical courses.