PhD Program in System Science - Sys
This PhD program aims to train specialists to conduct advanced research in the field of analysis and design of a range of technological, natural, economic, and social systems through the use of descriptive and predictive mathematical models.
SyS offers a training plan organized into four tracks that offer specific expertise in various domains:
- Complex Systems and Networks (CN)
- Computational Mechanics (CM)
- Learning and Control (LC)
- Software Quality (SQ)
Application deadline: June 21st, 2024
Program starts: November 4th, 2024
All you need to know
- Incoming profile: what's your background?
The program is intended for applicants with a master's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics or other related fields.
- What are the main disciplines studied in this PhD?
- Machine learning
- Network science
- Complex systems theory
- Analysis and control of dynamical systems, time-series analysis
- Numerical analysis
- Computational methods in applied sciences and engineering
- Optimization and control
- Statistics
- Stochastic processes
- Specification languages, programming and software analysis
- Why choosing this PhD?
-
Career opportunities
Graduates of the SyS program can pursue a variety of career paths, including academic positions in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, and other related fields. Since frontier research topics with inter-sectoral applications are addressed, the SyS program boasts a long history of success stories of graduates who have obtained positions in industries, services, public and private research laboratories, study centers, regulatory centers, consulting firms and in the public sector.
-
Outgoing profiles: abilities and expertise
Graduates of the SyS program learn how to perform independent and innovative research on quantitative methods at the state of the art to address timely research topics in a variety of sectors such as automotive, aerospace, communication, chemical, infrastructure, energy, biomedicine and biomechanics, financial, manufacturing, as well as governmental sectors related to central banking and official statistics.
-
International experience
In addition to the international atmosphere provided by the IMT School residential campus, SyS students are encouraged to spend part of their studies abroad, either via the Erasmus+ framework or through customized mobility agreements. SyS students can profit from the wide network of international collaborations of the research units contributing to the program.
-
How to apply?
- Application deadline
June 21st, 2024, 1:00pm - Program starts
on November 4th, 2024 - Selection process
Shortlist by titles and interview - Official language
English
Number of scholarships: 9
Scholarship type: fully-funded position with additional benefits included (campus accommodation and canteen)
Complex Systems and Networks (CN)
This track offers an interdisciplinary training aimed at the empirical analysis, the mathematical modelling and the numerical simulation of systems characterized by a large number of components, interconnected in irregular architectures. The curriculum provides a solid background in disciplines like graph theory, information theory, physics of complex systems and statistical mechanics of networks as well as in their application to problems of societal relevance.
Computational Mechanics (CM)
This track offers interdisciplinary training for graduates who wish to specialize in the research of innovative numerical methods for the analysis and simulation (high-fidelity and data-driven digital twin models) of complex systems of high technological interest, with special focus on fluid dynamics, solid and structural mechanics, biomechanics. The track provides a solid background in applied mathematics, numerical analysis, mechanics, computer science, dynamic and control systems, and machine learning techniques.
Learning and Control (LC)
The track (LC) provides interdisciplinary training for students who wish to focus on developing algorithms for automatic model learning from data, as well as controlling dynamic systems through numerical optimization techniques. Using these methodologies, it becomes possible to understand, predict and optimize the system behavior anddiagnose malfunctions. These methodologies can be applied to a wide range of real-world problems including, e.g., enabling a vehicle to drive autonomously while avoiding obstacles, allowing a satellite to adjust its attitude, and helping a smart electricity grid optimize the use of energy from renewable sources.
Software Quality (SQ)
This track focuses on the software's whole life cycle, from requirements analysis to validation and testing. The main aspects of concern are program correctness, usability, accessibility, reliability, performance, and security. The educational objective is to train researchers able to analyze, manage and anticipate software quality issues relevant to the digital transformation processes of society.
What SyS offers
Throughout their doctoral studies, SyS students learn various skills that enable them to create, employ, and implement techniques for analyzing and predicting complex phenomena. These techniques involve the use of analytical and computational models that originate from first principles or data, incorporating a range of interdisciplinary fields such as mathematics, operations research, physics, statistics, computer science, and engineering.
Interdisciplinary research environment
An international network of academic and industrial researchers
Rigorous training in technical, social, human, and natural sciences
Opportunity to meet leading researchers that visit IMT every year
Seminars held by faculty members from outside the IMT School environment
Participation in exchange programs
€ 1,353.58/month scholarships
On campus accommodation, desk and meals
About IMT
The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca is a public university school for higher education and research.
The IMT School is one of the best graduate schools in Europe for research, technology, and internationalization, located in the heart of Tuscany.
Interdisciplinary research, cutting-edge technologies, and internationalization are the pillars on which the identity of the IMT School is based.
The IMT School also offers executive courses and academic programs carried out in collaboration with the most prestigious universities and research institutes, boasting international collaborations and research projects.
Facilities and benefits
Library
Laboratories
Canteen
Fitness and relax spots
Leisure rooms
Italian language and culture courses
Different views of the school
Testimonials
Fabiana Zollo (CN)
Tenure-track assistant Professor, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia
“IMT offers the valuable opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and stimulating environment, where differences are perceived as a plus. Immersed in the cloistered atmosphere of the IMT campus, the life community allows for fruitful exchanges with a variety of cultures and perspectives, making the PhD experience one of a kind.”
Valerio Carollo (CM)
Mechanical structural analysis engineer, Marshall Aerospace, Cambridge, UK
“IMT has provided me with the tools and the connections in the scientific community to develop my doctoral research to a high standard. The multidisciplinary environment, together with the possibility of visiting top institutions in my research field, have been very valuable in stimulating my creativity and producing unique research. The knowledge gained during my studies at IMT has strongly contributed to the advancement of my career after the PhD.”
Nilay Saraf (LC)
Optimization Engineer at Hive Power (Switzerland) ex Computational Scientist at Enel S.p.A. (Italy)
“This program offers exhaustive training through world-renowned faculty members for a career in research as well as for in-demand jobs as an engineer or a scientist. It is an excellent opportunity to improve competencies in scientific writing for high-quality publications and in developing industry-standard software. The outreach of the faculty helps in getting opportunities globally in both academia and industry during and after the program.”
Isabel Cristina Pérez Verona (SQ)
Project Manager, Munich Re, Germany
"IMT is a premier institution with inspiring peers, top-quality academics, and a high networking potential after graduation.
The school offers an excellent academic environment that, combined with a hands-on approach, enables you to connect scientific excellence with real-world problems while collaborating with industry leaders.
If you thrive on challenge and have a game-changing attitude, I highly recommend IMT as part of your career path.”