Physics, Earth and Materials Sciences
PHD PROGRAMME
An interdisciplinary doctoral programme investigating physical processes, advanced and functional materials, Earth systems and environmental dynamics across scales ranging from atomic and quantum systems to planetary and global phenomena.
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
Coordinator: Prof. Roberto Gunnella
Institution: University of Camerino
Proposing School: School of Science and Technology
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 Science and Technology
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
19 PhD candidates currently enrolled
Cycle XXXIX: 5 candidates · Cycle XL: 6 candidates · Cycle XLI: 8 candidates
Data updated: August 2026 · Active cycles XXXIX–XLI
PROGRAMME PROFILE
From atomic systems to the dynamics of the Earth
Scientific and technological development continually generates new knowledge and increasingly sophisticated methods for addressing complex problems. Innovation in physics, materials science, Earth sciences and environmental research requires researchers capable of connecting different disciplines and analysing phenomena through rigorous quantitative approaches.
The programme investigates new physical processes, advanced and functional materials and geological, geophysical and environmental dynamics. Research is supported by mathematical and computational methods, high-performance computing and innovative approaches to scientific data processing.
Experimental work is carried out through modern UNICAM facilities and access to major international infrastructures, including synchrotrons, accelerators, interferometers, lasers and observatories. This integrated environment allows PhD candidates to participate in every stage of scientific investigation, from theoretical modelling and experimentation to data analysis and technological application.
MAIN RESEARCH THEMES
Research across physical, planetary and material systems
01
Quantum physics and condensed matter
Quantum phenomena in solids and ultracold matter, superconductivity, superfluidity, quantum optics, communication and information, complex systems and matter under extreme conditions.
02
Nuclear physics, astrophysics and cosmology
Nuclear phenomena, quantum field theory, observational cosmology, dark matter, dark energy, gravitational waves and the study of the Universe through terrestrial and space-based observations.
03
Earth and planetary systems
Structural geology, sedimentology, mineralogy, petrology, palaeontology, geomorphology, volcanology, georesources and the physical and chemical processes governing Earth and planetary materials.
04
Advanced and functional materials
Nanostructured and two-dimensional materials, functional surfaces, photonics, quantum technologies, energy production and storage, biomaterials and materials operating under extreme conditions.
05
Sustainability, resources and risk
Circular economy, recycling, efficient use of resources, environmental protection, geological hazards, seismic interpretation, rockfall susceptibility, georesources and sustainable energy systems.
RESEARCH PROFILE
Curricula
CURRICULUM 01
Physics
Curriculum lead: Prof. Sebastiano Pilati
The curriculum focuses on frontier research concerning quantum phenomena in solids and ultracold matter, quantum optics, quantum communication and information, condensed-matter physics for energy applications and matter under extreme conditions.
Additional research fields include the theory and applications of complex systems, nuclear physics, astrophysics, cosmology and gravitational waves.
Research methods combine experiments in UNICAM laboratories and international large-scale facilities with theoretical modelling and high-performance computing. Worldwide collaborations and joint doctoral arrangements with European universities support the international development of each research project.
CURRICULUM 02
Physical and Chemical Processes in Earth Systems
Curriculum lead: Prof. Gabriele Giuli
The curriculum develops frontier research in structural geology, sedimentology, mineralogy, petrology, palaeontology, geomorphology, volcanology, georesources and sustainability.
Earth materials and planetary systems are investigated through experimental methods, numerical modelling, geophysical data analysis and access to international infrastructures such as synchrotron-light sources.
International collaborations and extended research periods abroad allow PhD candidates to work in highly interdisciplinary environments and to develop scientific and professional relationships within and outside Italy.
CURRICULUM 03
Materials Sciences
Curriculum lead: Prof. Roberto Gunnella
The curriculum brings together interdisciplinary research based primarily on theoretical and experimental methods from the physical sciences.
Theoretical activities include mathematical and engineering-oriented modelling of materials and condensed-matter methods supporting emerging technological applications. These include the modelling, prototyping and use of devices for photonics and quantum technologies, single-photon detection and the manipulation of qubits.
Experimental research integrates physical and chemical techniques for nanomaterials, nanoparticles, surface functionalisation and functional materials for energy generation and storage. Circular economy, waste reduction, recycling and efficient resource use are central themes.
ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE
Coordinator and PhD Programme Board
A multidisciplinary national and international Board
The programme is coordinated by Prof. Roberto Gunnella and supported by a PhD Programme Board with expertise in experimental and theoretical physics, materials science, mathematics, geology, geophysics, mineralogy, petrology and environmental research.
The Board includes academics from UNICAM and other universities, researchers from national research institutions and international scientific partners. Its composition supports interdisciplinary projects and access to specialised laboratories, large-scale facilities and collaborative research networks.
DOCTORAL TRAINING
Advanced education across theory, experimentation and computation
A programme designed for doctoral research
The training programme provides specialised scientific knowledge, advanced technological skills and the ability to produce original contributions in physics, materials science, Earth sciences and environmental research.
Courses are distributed throughout the doctoral pathway, while development of the individual thesis project becomes the priority during the second and third years. Training includes theoretical courses, practical activities, seminars, laboratory work, computational methods and the analysis of complex scientific data.
The programme is clearly distinguished from first- and second-cycle degree teaching and is directly connected with advanced research. English is the principal language of research and doctoral education.
Educational activities 2025/2026
The current vertical offer covers condensed-matter theory, crystallography, seismic interpretation, quantum field theory, computational methods, machine learning, astrophysics and geological-risk analysis.
9 activities · 28 ECTS · 220 total hours
| Educational activity | Lecturers | Scientific fields | Code | ECTS | Hours | Semester | Reference area | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condensed Matter Theory | Andrea Perali | PHYS-03/A | — | 3 | 42 | II | Physics | Pass/fail |
| Introduction to Crystallography | Gabriele Giuli | GEO/06 | — | 3 | 21 | II | Physical and Chemical Processes in Earth Systems | Pass/fail |
| Advanced Seismic Interpretation | Miller Zambrano | GEOS-04/B | — | 3 | 21 | I | Physical and Chemical Processes in Earth Systems | Pass/fail |
| Advanced Quantum Field Theory | Orlando Luongo | PHYS-02/A | — | 3 | 24 | II | Physics | Pass/fail |
| Computational Fluid Dynamics | Josephin Giacomini | MATH-05/A | — | 3 | 21 | II | Materials Sciences | Pass/fail |
| Machine Learning and Its Applications | Marco Piangerelli Sebastiano Pilati |
INFO-01/A PHYS-03/A |
DOCSM013 | 4 | 28 | II | Physics | Pass/fail |
| Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering | Silvia Licciardi | MATH-05/A | — | 3 | 21 | II | Cross-curricular mathematical training | Pass/fail |
| Observational Methods in Astrophysics | Marco Muccino | PHYS-02/A | — | 3 | 21 | II | Physics | Pass/fail |
| Geostructural Analysis for Rockfall Susceptibility Investigations and Rock-Block Trajectory Modelling | Alessandro Massaro | GEOS-04/B | — | 3 | 21 | II | Physical and Chemical Processes in Earth Systems | Pass/fail |
The table presents the complete vertical educational offer currently available for the academic year 2025/2026. Some activities are partially shared with second-cycle degree programmes or with the PhD programme in Computer Science and Mathematics. The offer will be updated at the beginning of Cycle XLII.
Seminars and transversal skills
The programme organises specialist seminars delivered by invited researchers in areas that vary each year, including advanced spectroscopy, Raman methods, high-pressure techniques and emerging developments across the three curricula.
Training is complemented by language courses, digital skills, research management, European and international research systems, scientific communication, Open Science, intellectual property, technology transfer and career development.
RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
Experimental facilities, computing and scientific resources
More than 1,000 square metres of scientific laboratories
The scientific structures involved in the programme provide more than 1,000 square metres of laboratories equipped for X-ray spectroscopy and diffraction, surface and materials science, quantum optics, cryogenics, optical and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic microscopy, high-pressure and high-temperature experiments, fluid-inclusion analysis and three-dimensional tomography.
International large-scale facilities
Research projects may involve synchrotron-radiation facilities, particle accelerators, interferometers, free-electron and conventional lasers, astronomical observatories and other international infrastructures supporting experiments that cannot be carried out using local facilities alone.
Science Library and databases
The Science Library provides more than 50,000 volumes, access to thirteen specialist databases and more than 8,000 periodical years. Its collections cover physics, Earth sciences, materials science and mathematics.
Digital resources include Web of Knowledge, MathSciNet, Scopus, Journal Citation Reports, JSTOR, ACM, IEEE, NASA global topographic datasets, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program resources and global geomagnetic and expedition datasets.
Scientific software and high-performance computing
PhD candidates have access to networked computer workstations, advanced image-analysis systems and software for scientific data analysis, geophysical modelling, seismic interpretation, numerical simulation and bibliographic management.
Computational research is supported by local clusters and high-performance computing resources made available through ENEA, INFN, CNR and other collaborating research institutions.
CAREER PERSPECTIVES
Scientific research, technology and industry
Graduates are prepared for careers in fundamental and applied research at Italian and international universities, public research institutions and private research organisations.
They may also work in industrial research and development, scientific and technological management, energy, advanced materials, environmental monitoring, georesources, geological risk, photonics, quantum technologies and high-performance computing.
The international and interdisciplinary nature of the programme and the involvement of companies in research training provide skills applicable to complex problems extending beyond the candidate’s specific thesis topic.
INNOVATION AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
From scientific results to technological applications
PhD candidates are expected to produce original research results, including scientific publications, patents and other recognised research outputs. Collaboration with companies and research institutions supports technology transfer and the development of industrially relevant projects.
The programme also prepares candidates to participate in university spin-offs and start-ups and to develop entrepreneurial initiatives with a high scientific and technological content.
INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION
International research and compulsory mobility
A research period abroad is compulsory and is normally planned for six months. International PhD candidates are encouraged to carry out part of their mobility in Italy at research institutions of recognised international standing.
PhD candidates are encouraged to participate in at least one international conference in their research field and to develop intersectoral experiences in academic and non-academic organisations in Italy and abroad.
Worldwide collaborations, European research networks, joint doctoral arrangements and access to international scientific facilities support the development of each doctoral project and the creation of long-term professional networks.
ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY
Accreditation confirmed by ANVUR – Cycle XLII
For the academic year 2026/2027, ANVUR confirmed the accreditation of the PhD programme in Physics, Earth and Materials Sciences.
The requirements relating to the composition 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 132 hours of doctoral education per year for each cycle. The teaching is clearly distinguished from first- and second-cycle degree programmes and is closely connected with advanced research, laboratory activities, scientific infrastructures and interdisciplinary training.
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.
Contacts and programme support
Contact the Programme Coordinator, the curriculum leads or the ISAS Administrative Office for academic and administrative information.