PhD in Data Science In Medicine (DASME)

The Programme

The DASME PhD Programme tackles crucial challenges that lie at the intersection of life sciences and scientific/clinical research training. Courses are delivered entirely in English, attracting a diverse student body and faculty. This cross-pollination of ideas and expertise creates a dynamic learning atmosphere where students benefit from a wider range of perspectives.

This program addresses the growing need for big data analysis skills, a critical area that is revolutionizing all aspects of life sciences research. Through rigorous coursework, students delve into the world of powerful algorithms, learning to harness their capabilities to identify hidden patterns within massive datasets. This newfound expertise equips them to undertake groundbreaking research in medicine, where the ability to predict clinical responses based on complex data analysis is paramount.

Beyond the core curriculum, the DASME PhD Programme offers training on a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge technologies. Students can gain proficiency in omics techniques, bioinformatics tools, advanced imaging methods, sequencing technologies, and flow cytometry. This foundation prepares them to tackle complex research questions at the forefront of data-driven life sciences. To further enrich the learning experience, the program features a seminar series led by prestigious visiting professors and guest lecturers.

Finally, DASME fosters a stimulating learning environment. Students can engage in interdisciplinary exchanges, and are encouraged to develop independent research skills and pursue training abroad. This comprehensive program prepares graduates to become future leaders in data-driven life sciences research.

Future perspectives

The objective of this PhD programme is to train experts in basic, clinical and industrial research so that they can pursue a career in research, clinical or academic fields. In particular, for non-medical PhDs, the best job opportunities will be in biotechnology and bioinformatics companies, in public and private research sectors, and in academia. In this context, the interdisciplinary nature of their training will help them to rapidly transfer new knowledge from basic science to bio-medicine and clinical practice in order to generate new advanced diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the field of precision medicine. The best job opportunities for those who carry out clinical activities will be in research, in clinical settings or in academia, in particular in clinical facilities involved in research and training where they can contribute to the development of leading clinical research teams in their fields of specialisation. The strongly international and interdisciplinary approach of the PhD course will give students the opportunity to establish themselves in positions with a worldwide perspective.

Didactic Activities

Mandatory courses

BIP – Blended Intensive Program

Among elective activities, PhD students enrolled to the second and third year have the opportunity to join the BIP (Blended Intensive Program) in Reserch Ethics and Integrity, organized with the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.

The course is composed of online classes plus an in-person part hosted on RCSI campus in Dublin for one week.

All costs related to registration, flight and accommodation for the in-person are covered by Humanitas University.

Admission Requirements

Data Science in Medicine Curriculum

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD course in Data Science in Medicine, must either have a “laurea magistrale” awarded in accordance with D.M. 270/2004 or equivalent qualification awarded by a foreign university (usually referred to as a Master’s Degree), in one of the subjects listed in the official call for applicants.

Applicants who are waiting to be awarded the required qualification at the date of submission can also take part in the selection process providing they have passed all of the Degree course exams at the time of the online application and are awarded the qualification by the final deadline indicated in the call for applicants. In the event these applicants pass the selection process, their enrolment on the PhD course is conditional upon providing proof that the qualification is awarded.

Data Science in Medicine – Clinical Curriculum

Applicants wishing to enrol on the PhD Course in Datascience in Medicine – Clinical Curriculum must:

• be enrolled on the Medical Register
• already possess a specialist medical qualification

Alternatively, applications will also be taken from doctors in specialist training who will enrol in the final year in a School of Specialisation at Humanitas University.

Fees and Scholarships

PhD students are required to pay an annual fee for access and attendance, set at €250,00 for the academic year 2024/2025, including the regional tax and stamp duty.

Detailed information about each topic’s scholarship or equivalent contract can be found in the research topics table below, by clicking on each topic ID.

How to Apply

• Registration or access with your LOGINMIUR credentials
• Application form submission
• Payment of the application contribution

The application form must be completed in all its parts, on penalty of exclusion. In particular, applicants must submit all of the following documents in PDF format:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Motivation letter
3. Copy of a valid ID or passport (for Non-EU citizens)
4. Diploma Supplement
5. Copy of the receipt of payment of €30,00

Additionally, applicants may indicate name and contacts of maximum two referees, preferably chosen among those who have had a supervising role of the candidates. The referees will be directly contacted by Humanitas University and asked to complete a brief letter of reference, which should be sent by 2^nd July 2024, h 1:00 PM

Further details about the application procedure will be reported in the official call for applicants.

Admission Process

Admission to the PhD Programme is based on a public selection process consisting of

• the comparative evaluation of the titles and qualifications and
• an interview carried out in English by a Committee composed of a maximum of seven members.

The aim of the selection process is to assess the knowledge, competencies and aptitude of the applicants for scientific research as well as their motivation for undertaking the PhD programme.

A good knowledge of English is required and will be tested during the interview.

Should reasons justify it, the test and interview can be conducted via video-conference. Those who intend to conduct the interview via video-conference or request special assistance should specify this on the application form.