PhD in Systems Science

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.

SyS aims 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.