Coordinator
Prof. Tiziano Tuccinardi
email: tiziano.tuccinardi@unipi.it
Administrative seat
Department of Pharmacy
Project description
The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bioactive Substances is based within the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Pisa, which carries out pharmaceutical research across the entire development process—from design, synthesis, development, and formulation to the evaluation of activity at the molecular and pharmacological level.
The programme focuses on developing a research project in the field of bioactive substances, with particular emphasis on identifying new molecules with potential therapeutic activity, developing diagnostic tools, and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases.
The main areas of research can be summarised as follows:
– development of bioactive compounds through rational drug design and synthesis of new molecules or extraction of active compounds from natural products;
– investigation of the biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic or toxicological effects of these molecules in humans;
– formulation studies of bioactive compounds;
– assessment of the environmental impact of bioactive substances and their production processes.
The highly interdisciplinary nature of the research carried out in the Department fosters productive collaborations with international research groups, and PhD students are strongly encouraged to spend part of their research period abroad.
In addition, in order to ensure comprehensive and rigorous interdisciplinary training aimed at equipping students with the skills needed for independent and informed research, the PhD programme offers a range of high-level educational activities, including:
- cycles of lectures, usually monographic in nature, delivered by lecturers from the department as well as by external lecturers and representatives from the professional sector;
- seminars by highly qualified national and international lecturers;
- participation in national and international schools for PhD students, as well as summer and winter schools;
- organisation of thematic workshops.
Course objectives
The primary objective of the PhD programme is to train new researchers in the field of pharmaceuticals and bioactive substances through a high-level educational pathway that combines teaching and research, as well as by establishing collaborative networks with research institutions and academic bodies at both national and international level, with the aim of strengthening relationships within the research community.
A key feature of this PhD programme is its strong multidisciplinary approach, which brings together diverse and complementary areas of expertise such as analytical, pharmaceutical and organic chemistry, phytochemistry, pharmaceutical technology, pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. It integrates a wide range of disciplines and methodologies in a coherent and structured way, with reference both to CUN areas 03 and 05 and specific ERC sectors (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering).
Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches—supported by the involvement of experts in various training and research activities across different yet complementary research areas—represent the core challenge of the research carried out within our PhD programme: a frontier research project that goes beyond disciplinary boundaries to pursue innovation and excellence.
On this basis, the specific objectives of the PhD programme are:
– to design and implement innovative research programmes in the field of health;
– to provide the skills needed to carry out critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of ideas and processes, applicable in research institutions and in the national production system;
– to acquire new cross-disciplinary scientific competences aimed at sustainable development (in line with the 2030 Agenda goals).
Scientific-disciplinary areas
Biochemistry
Applied Biology
Pharmaceutical Biology
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
General and Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Technology
Pharmacology
Website
https://sfsb.farm.unipi.it/
