PhD in Personalized caRe and Innovation in Medicine and Engineering (PRIME)

The Programme

The PhD builds on the close collaboration between Humanitas University and Politecnico di Milano, both internationally recognized for excellence in education and research. This partnership allows students to engage in joint research projects and benefit from co-supervision by experts from both institutions. The programme also encourages international experiences, with opportunities to carry out research abroad or in collaboration with major industry partners, thanks to established connections with leading research and clinical institutions, hospitals, and companies worldwide.

For those interested in leading innovation at the intersection of engineering and medicine, the PRIME PhD Programme offers a dynamic and stimulating academic environment to develop advanced expertise and make meaningful contributions to the future of personalized healthcare.

The educational path combines engineering, biology, medicine, and data science, enabling students to develop innovative solutions that enhance diagnostics, therapies, and patient care. Research projects cover a broad range of topics, such as digital health, omics, biomaterials, biosensors, artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and medical devices. Each student follows a personalized research track, focusing on either computational modeling and AI or medical technologies and systems.

The standard duration of the program is three years. PhD candidates will engage in research addressing fundamental biomedical science or clinical challenges, exploring both basic and applied medical sciences. Students will bridge the gap between theoretical discoveries and practical clinical solutions, gaining advanced knowledge of techniques such as in vivo, in vitro, in silico, and artificial intelligence, as well as their integration into the development of new medical technologies. Research areas include, but are not limited to, digital health, omics, cell-based models, physiological systems, biomaterials, and biosensors. The program offers two main paths: one focused on computational modeling and AI techniques, and the other on medical technologies, devices, and systems. This dual-path approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to innovate across a wide range of healthcare technologies and treatment strategies.

PhD candidates will conduct studies, publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, and submit their doctoral dissertation for approval by the PhD Board and two external referees.

Didactic Activities

To strengthen their research skills, during the first 2 years, PhD candidates are expected to attend core courses. In addition, PhD candidates will be able to attend other courses within Inter, Multi and Trans-disciplinary activities offered by both universities or external institutions.

They also participate in seminars, workshops, and international conferences to enrich their scientific knowledge and professional skills. Each student is supported by a supervisor and a tutor and is responsible for developing and completing an original research project that bridges basic science and clinical application.

Career Opportunities

Choosing to pursue a PhD in Personalized caRe and Innovation in Medicine and Engineering opens up a wide range of career opportunities, both within and beyond academia. While many graduates choose to continue in university research and teaching, an increasing number are building successful careers in clinical research centers, hospitals, diagnostic labs, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, private industry, creation of start-ups and spin-offs. The growing emphasis on research and innovation in the private sector has led many companies to seek highly trained professionals, creating new roles where PhD graduates can apply their advanced skills and expertise.

This diverse career landscape allows students to shape their professional paths according to their interests—whether in academic research, healthcare, industry, or entrepreneurship.

Career opportunities may include:

• Universities and Research Institutions
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
• Diagnostic and Testing Laboratories
• Public Health Agencies
• Regulatory Consulting Firms
• Clinical Research Organizations (CROs)
• Pharmaceutical, Biotech, and Medical Device Companies
• Healthcare Technology and IT Firms
• Telemedicine Providers
• Health Insurance Companies
• Health Data Analytics Organizations
• Genomics and Personalized Medicine Companies
• Start-ups and Spin-offs in the Biomedical Field

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to both Italian and international candidates holding a master’s degree with at least five years of university education. Applicants can be admitted to the Doctorate without any age or citizenship restrictions. Proficiency in English is required by means of a certified language test. Selection is based on the evaluation of academic records, a motivation letter, and an interview.

Additional details regarding the admission requirements and process will be published in the Call for Applications, which will be released in June.

Fees and Scholarships

PhD students are required to pay an annual fee for access and attendance, set at €250,00 for the academic year 2025/2026, including the regional tax and stamp duty.