Life and Health Sciences
PHD PROGRAMME
An interdisciplinary doctoral programme integrating fundamental biological research, biotechnology, nutrition, food science, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences and human health through a problem-oriented and One Health approach.
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
Coordinator: Prof. Attilio Fabbretti
Institution: University of Camerino
Proposing School: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine
Teaching location: Camerino
Programme structure: Single-university PhD programme
Duration: Three years
Curricula: Three research curricula
Current teaching offer: Academic year 2025/2026
Institution: University of Camerino
Proposing School: School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine
Teaching location: Camerino
Programme structure: Single-university PhD programme
Duration: Three years
Curricula: Three research curricula
Current teaching offer: Academic year 2025/2026
PROGRAMME COMMUNITY
31 PhD candidates currently enrolled
Cycle XXXIX: 10 candidates ·
Cycle XL: 11 candidates ·
Cycle XLI: 10 candidates
Cycle XL: 11 candidates ·
Cycle XLI: 10 candidates
Data updated: August 2026 · Active cycles XXXIX–XLI
PROGRAMME PROFILE
Integrating life sciences, health and the environment
The programme reflects the interdisciplinary research culture of the School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine. It integrates research into fundamental biological questions with emerging biotechnological applications and advanced approaches to human, animal and environmental health.
Research projects are organised through a problem-oriented approach designed to address major societal challenges in the life and health sciences. These include the development of the bioeconomy, the study of organisms’ responses to climate change, environmental biomonitoring, food safety, functional foods, sustainable agriculture and the integrated management of environmental systems.
The programme promotes advanced scientific knowledge, methodological competence, critical thinking, teamwork, communication and the ability to operate in academic, industrial and entrepreneurial research environments.
MAIN RESEARCH THEMES
Research responding to life and health challenges
01
Molecular and cellular mechanisms
Molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, gene regulation, protein synthesis and the molecular basis of health and disease.
02
One Health and public health
Integrated research into the relationships between human health, animal health and ecosystem health, including infectious and parasitic diseases, diagnostics, clinical sciences and environmental health.
03
Nutrition, food and wellbeing
Food quality and safety, functional foods, nutrigenomics, nutriepigenomics, the microbiota, animal nutrition, sustainable production and diet-related health and disease.
04
Biotechnology and bioeconomy
The identification and use of microorganisms, enzymes, bioactive molecules and emerging biotechnologies for industrial, biomedical, agricultural and environmental applications.
05
Biodiversity and environmental change
Organisms’ responses to climate change, ecological monitoring, biodiversity assessment, plant ecology, environmental planning and the sustainable management of natural systems.
RESEARCH PROFILE
Curricula
CURRICULUM 01
Molecular Biology and Cellular Biotechnology
Curriculum lead: Prof. Attilio Fabbretti
The curriculum trains researchers in modern biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and biotechnology and prepares them for strategic research positions in public and private organisations.
Its defining feature is the integration of fundamental biological research with biotechnological applications. Research projects address societal challenges through advanced molecular, cellular, microbiological and omics-based approaches.
Research themes include the discovery of antibiotics, enzymes and other bioactive molecules, the study of microorganisms, environmental biomonitoring, climate-related effects on organisms, proteasome involvement in disease and emerging biotechnologies for human and animal health.
CURRICULUM 02
One Health
Official curriculum title: One Health – Integrated Approach to Health Focused on Interactions between Animals, Humans and the Environment with Attention to Inland Valorization
Curriculum lead: Prof. Alessandra Gavazza
The curriculum is based on the principle that human, animal and ecosystem health are inseparably connected. It promotes close collaboration among biologists, veterinarians, medical researchers and environmental scientists.
Research includes infectious and parasitic diseases, diagnostic and clinical problems, nutrition, food safety, animal welfare, public-health systems and environmental health.
The curriculum supports integrated approaches capable of accelerating biomedical discoveries, improving public-health effectiveness and strengthening veterinary care, environmental monitoring and the sustainable development of inland territories.
CURRICULUM 03
Nutrition, Food and Health
Curriculum lead: Prof. Mauro Angeletti
The curriculum investigates the relationship between food, nutrition, health and wellbeing in humans and animals. It addresses the biological and behavioural determinants of food intake, sensory quality, satiety and diet-related physiological change.
Research supports sustainable food production, food and feed quality and safety, animal welfare, nutritional education and innovation in healthy food products.
Specific themes include nutrigenomics, nutriepigenomics, food processing, probiotics, polyphenols, bioactive compounds, food contaminants and the modulation of the microbiota and the gut-brain axis in the prevention and progression of disease.
ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE
Coordinator and PhD Programme Board
A large multidisciplinary scientific community
The programme is coordinated by Prof. Attilio Fabbretti and supported by a scientifically qualified PhD Programme Board with expertise in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, ecology, veterinary medicine, clinical sciences, nutrition, food science and environmental health.
The multidisciplinary composition of the Board enables PhD candidates to develop projects combining fundamental research, advanced technologies and applications in the life and health sciences.
DOCTORAL TRAINING
Scientific training, research and mentoring
A research-led educational pathway
Training is organised around two connected areas: the consolidation and integration of disciplinary knowledge and the acquisition of methodological skills required for advanced scientific research.
These activities are complemented by the individual doctoral project, developed under the supervision of one or more supervisors. Particular attention is paid to teamwork, scientific independence, research quality and critical analysis.
Experienced academics may also support PhD candidates as mentors, providing an additional point of reference for scientific guidance, collaboration and the use of research facilities.
Educational activities 2025/2026
The current vertical offer combines laboratory methods, statistics, molecular and cellular biology, food science, biotechnology, biodiversity and animal research.
10 activities · 23 ECTS · 161 total hours
| Educational activity | Lecturers | Scientific fields | Code | ECTS | Hours | Semester | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Management of Laboratory Animals | Elena De Felice | VET/01 | DOLHS009 | 2 | 14 | II | Pass/fail |
| Statistics | Massimiliano Cuccioloni | BIO/10 | DOLHS010 | 3 | 21 | II | Pass/fail |
| Biochemistry of ageing | Valentina Cecarini | BIO/10 | DOLHS011 | 2 | 14 | II | Pass/fail |
| Microscopy | Michele Bellesi Luisa De Vivo |
BIO/09 BIO/09 |
DOLHS012 | 2 | 14 | II | Pass/fail |
| Plastics to Microplastics: Acquatic Ecotoxicity | Francesco A. Palermo Serena Gabrielli |
BIO/06 CHIM/06 |
DOLHS013 | 3 | 21 | II | Pass/fail |
| Designing food for enhanced nutrition | Elena Vittadini Laura Bonfili |
AGR/15 BIO/12 |
DOLHS017 | 3 | 21 | II | Pass/fail |
| Applied Genomics | Valerio Napolioni Stefano Pallotti |
BIO/11 AGR/17 |
DOLHS015 | 2 | 14 | I | Pass/fail |
| Theory and Applications in Microbial Biotechnology | Roberto Spurio | BIO/18 | DOLHS016 | 2 | 14 | II | Pass/fail |
| Biodiversity indexes for the assessment of different biota | Giandiego Campetella | BIO/03 | DOLHS018 | 2 | 14 | I | Pass/fail |
| Working with Drosophila | Daniela Beghelli | VET/08 | New course | 2 | 14 | I | Pass/fail |
The table presents the complete vertical educational offer currently available for the academic year 2025/2026. The offer will be updated at the beginning of Cycle XLII.
Transversal and professional development
The programme is complemented by seminars and transversal training in scientific communication, research methodology, project design, entrepreneurship, career development, teamwork and the communication of research to specialist audiences and society.
RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
Laboratories, clinical facilities and scientific resources
Biosciences and biotechnology laboratories
Research activities are supported by twelve laboratory modules and dedicated study spaces. Available equipment includes fluorescence and confocal microscopes, real-time PCR, ultracentrifuges, a microarray reader, FACS, Nanodrop, HPLC, FPLC, SPR biosensors and a Nanopore sequencer. Cell-culture laboratories and an insectary supporting mosquito and malaria research are also available.
Plant ecology and environmental research
Facilities supporting plant ecology, vegetation analysis, environmental mapping and planning are available for research into biodiversity, ecosystems, climate change and sustainable environmental management.
Veterinary Medicine and Teaching Hospital
Veterinary research and clinical training are supported by a teaching hospital operating twenty-four hours a day for small and large animals. Facilities include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and video endoscopy. A dedicated e-Health centre provides additional digital and telematic resources.
Animal research facilities
The University animal facility includes dedicated accommodation rooms, operating areas and spaces authorised for livestock animals. Research involving animals is conducted under the supervision of the University body responsible for animal welfare and in accordance with applicable standards.
Science Library and scientific databases
The Science Library provides approximately 50,000 volumes, access to thirteen specialist databases and around 8,000 electronic journals. Resources include Web of Knowledge, PubMed, MicroMedex, Scopus, Journal Citation Reports, Google Scholar and Primo, covering biomedical, environmental and veterinary medical sciences.
Bioinformatics and computing resources
PhD candidates can use scientific databases for genomic and proteomic data, open-source sequence-analysis tools, specialist software for protein analysis and dedicated molecular-modelling workstations. University computer rooms, campus-wide connectivity and access to the CINECA high-performance computing infrastructure support data-intensive research.
CAREER PERSPECTIVES
Research, health, biotechnology and industry
The programme prepares researchers for careers in universities, public and private research institutions, biotechnology companies, biomedical organisations, veterinary and environmental health services and the food and feed industries.
Graduates of the One Health curriculum may develop professional profiles in animal health, public health, environmental health, diagnostic services and integrated health-management systems.
Graduates of the molecular biotechnology and nutrition curricula may find opportunities in research and development, genomics, microbiology, food innovation, quality and safety, nutraceuticals and advanced biotechnological production.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
From research ideas to innovation
The programme develops relationships with companies and organisations investing in research and development and supports industrially oriented doctoral projects and placements in national and international companies.
PhD candidates are encouraged to develop innovative ideas, participate in business-plan competitions and contribute to university spin-offs and start-ups. The programme also supports the transfer and protection of research results through patents and collaborations with external partners.
INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION
International research and intersectoral mobility
A research period abroad is compulsory and is normally planned for approximately six months. International PhD candidates may also carry out mobility in Italy at qualified research institutions of recognised international standing.
PhD candidates are encouraged to participate in international conferences and to gain intersectoral experience in academic and non-academic organisations in Italy and abroad.
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ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY
Positive ANVUR evaluation – Cycle XLII
For the academic year 2026/2027, ANVUR confirmed the accreditation of the PhD programme in Life and Health Sciences.
The requirements concerning the composition and scientific qualification of the PhD Programme Board, scholarships, programme sustainability, operational and scientific facilities and the doctoral training project were considered satisfied.
The evaluation records an average of 54 hours of doctoral education per year for each cycle. The training is clearly distinguished from first- and second-cycle degree teaching and is closely connected with advanced research, seminars, laboratories and interdisciplinary activities.
Admission and current calls
The number and type of available positions, scholarships, research topics and application deadlines are established annually by the official admission call.
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Contacts and programme support
Contact the Programme Coordinator, the curriculum leads or the ISAS Administrative Office for academic and administrative information.