PhD Program

Who It's For

The fully funded FutureData4EU program is aimed at ambitious graduates and researchers eager to acquire advanced skills in the field of data science and big data application. Motivated candidates from diverse disciplines are invited to participate to receive multidisciplinary, international and cross-sectoral training.

Eligibility of applicants. The overall approach of Marie Curie (MSCA) FutureData4EU is to keep the call as inclusive as possible, in order to attract as many talented candidates as conceivable. The essential requirements to have at the call closure will be:
- Research Experience for doctoral candidates: at the deadline of the programme's call, the DC will have to hold a degree entitling him/her to be enrolled in a doctoral programme (a master degree or equivalent); Candidates who, on the deadline for the submission of applications, do not meet the aforementioned requirements will be admitted conditionally, but must obtain a qualification that gives access to PhD studies and have it certified no later than 26th May, 2025; not having been awarded with a doctoral degree. The candidates must have a good knowledge of written and spoken English.

- Mobility reuirements: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 1 years in the 3 years immediately before the programme's call closure.

Why participate

Participating in FutureData4EU provides the opportunity to be trained as experts in data science, with a broad and cross-cutting view of modern societal challenges. Candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with high-level universities and research centers, as well as industrial players and regional institutions, to develop innovative solutions and promote the development of research and industry in the region.

Professional Profiles

The job market demands data scientists and experts proficient in Data Science. FutureData4EU offers comprehensive Big Data training across various PhD courses, aligning with industrial priorities and societal trends identified in Horizon Europe. It enhances existing doctoral programs, providing international, interdisciplinary research training and opportunities for transnational mobility.

Interdisciplinary Research Options

FutureData4EU provides integrated training in different countries and languages, fostering exposure to interdisciplinary research through regional collaboration. Despite enrollment in diverse PhD courses, candidates benefit from fully integrated training in computer sciences, data analytics, and high-performance computing. This equips them with versatile skills applicable across multiple research domains, positioning FutureData4EU as a pioneering hub for Big Data research in the European Research Area.

Opportunities offered

FutureData4EU offers the opportunity to be involved in advanced research projects in the field of big data analysis, modeling, and engineering, supercomputing, and big data. Candidates will have access to an innovative combination of subject specialization and multidisciplinary approach, including a broad understanding of societal and industrial challenges.

The project will run for five years and will recruit 53 candidates through an international call for applications, of which 21 will be assigned to University of Bologna, 9 each to University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Parma and University of Ferrara, 3 to the Piacenza Territorial Pole of Politecnico di Milano and 2 to the Piacenza Campus of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

The first announcement was published in June 2024, resulting in the selection of 43 candidates out of 53 available PhD positions.

This announcement of selection offers candidates from all over the world a total of 10 PhD positions in just as many PhD programmes, for a duration of 36 months each, in the following thematic areas relevant to Big Data: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society; Civil Security for Society; Digital, Industry and Space; Climate, Energy and Mobility and Enabling Technologies.

The program will enhance existing PhD courses in the Emilia-Romagna region, offering comprehensive training, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary skills development in Data Science. Doctoral students will delve into the multifaceted aspects of Big Data application, including cultural, organizational, environmental, technological, and political dimensions.

Successful candidates will enroll in university doctoral programs and receive a research fellowship (“assegno di ricerca”).

The annual salary paid to researchers is of €27,238.83 (gross salary excluding employer’s contributions to tax and social security). This annual amount consists of a living allowance and a mobility allowance, which covers mobility expenses (e.g. relocation, travel expenses).

Programme structure

FutureData4EU will develop an innovative e-learning tool for students and academic staff: within the FutureData4EU network, University of Bologna and the other involved universities have provided a wide hub of chances for online learning, blended learning and virtual mobility.

Each doctoral student will be enrolled in a PhD programme at the recruiting universities, and will have a customized CDP expressing a creative & entrepreneurial mind-set, addressing the major global challenges and building a leading knowledge economy for Europe and worldwide.

The essential transferable knowledge & skills are four:

-          knowledge and intellectual talents;

-          personal efficiency and professional behaviour;

-          research management;

-          engagement and impact.

The FutureData4EU programme will contribute to boost career opportunities for each DC enrolled beyond the academic framework and within an international context and with intersectoral approach (new digital profession profiles such as AI specialist, Cloud Engineer or IOT specialist will be  considered in defining advanced scientific skills).