The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

The international PhD program in Systems Science (SyS) is hosted by the IMT School, one of the seven Schools of Excellence in Italy, and one of the highest-rated graduate schools in Europe, according to the most recent U-Multirank survey.  This program offers rigorous training and personalized supervision in technical, social, human, and natural sciences, and encourages interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches that push disciplinary boundaries.

The IMT School fosters a genuinely global atmosphere by welcoming students from diverse geographical locations. Additionally, the School boasts a successful track record of placing its graduates in prestigious universities, companies, and public institutions across the world. Notably, English is the official language at the School.

The PhD program in Systems Science

The aim of SyS is to equip students with the necessary skills to conduct advanced research in the field of analysis and design of a range of technological, natural, economic, and social systems. This is achieved through the use of descriptive and predictive mathematical models.  SyS students work on diverse projects, such as improving the efficiency of industrial systems, comprehending the complexity of biological, ecological, social, and economic systems, and ensuring the reliability and autonomy of cyber-physical systems that combine physical modules and software. The potential application areas of SyS include several industries such as automotive, aerospace, communication, chemical, infrastructure, energy, biomedicine, financial, and manufacturing, as well as governmental sectors such as central banking and official statistics.

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.

The Program's curriculum comprises several subjects such as machine learning, network science, analysis and control of dynamical systems, time-series analysis, statistical physics, complex systems theory, numerical optimization, numerical integration of differential equations, statistics, stochastic processes, agent-based models, specification languages, programming, and software analysis. SyS students acquire proficiency in these areas of study by pursuing one of four specialization tracks:

• Complex Systems and Networks (CN)

• Computational Mechanics (CM)

• Learning and Control (LC)

• Software Quality (SQ)

All four tracks offer a comprehensive level of training that is highly valued in both academic and non-academic professions. Basic courses are designed to expose students from various tracks to the techniques and methodologies employed in related fields of study, thereby expanding their skill set.

SyS students have the opportunity to study abroad during their course of study, either through the Erasmus+ program or other specific mobility agreements.

Scholarships and funding

All students enrolled in the PhD program receive a scholarship of €1,353.58/month, which includes pension contributions and results in a net salary of €1,195.48/month for 3 years, extendable up to 4 years.

For the first three years, all students are offered on-campus housing and meals at the IMT canteen for free, which can be valued as an additional benefit of at least €800/month.
Furthermore, they are given additional financial support for mobility abroad, participation in international academic conferences, summer and winter schools, and other similar events.

Accommodation, desk, and meals

All students are granted a desk and unrestricted access to the IMT campus, as outlined in the Campus Life page.

The campus, which is entirely accessible, is fully equipped with a variety of amenities, including areas for relaxation and socializing, coffee corners, a dedicated Turkish bath, a fitness spot, a leisure room featuring several entertainment facilities (such as foosball and ping pong tables, PlayStation consoles, and board games), kitchenettes equipped with a cooker, microwave, and dishwasher, and laundry rooms.

All students are provided with hotel-like shared double rooms, which are serviced regularly for 3 years.
Additionally, all students have complimentary lunch and dinner every day of the year at the canteen located on the IMT campus for 3 years.

Incoming student profiles

Applicants who hold a master's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics, or other related fields are eligible to apply for the SyS program.

Outgoing student profiles

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. Additionally, they can get opportunities in various industries, services, public and private research laboratories, study centers, regulatory centers, consulting firms, and the public sector.

Former SyS students have secured positions at top universities, prestigious companies, international institutions, research centers, and innovative startups, as evidenced on the Past Students page.