{"id":211414,"date":"2025-03-24T12:53:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T12:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unipi.it\/education\/courses\/phd-programmes\/engineering-and-computer-sciences\/ingegneria-industriale\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T12:07:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T10:07:35","slug":"industrial-engineering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.unipi.it\/en\/education\/courses\/phd-programmes\/engineering-and-computer-sciences\/industrial-engineering\/","title":{"rendered":"Industrial Engineering"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Coordinator<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prof. Francesca Di Puccio
\nemail: francesca.di.puccio@unipi.it<\/a><\/p>\n

Administrative seat: <\/strong>Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering<\/h2>\n

Project description<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The PhD in Industrial Engineering is a three-year programme. Teaching activities are mainly concentrated in the first two years, while the third year is typically devoted to completing research and writing the doctoral thesis. The training programme combines compulsory and elective components, carefully balanced to provide a shared methodological foundation while also addressing the specific needs of each individual research project.<\/p>\n

Among the compulsory activities is attendance at courses specifically designed for PhD students in Industrial Engineering. These courses cover cross-cutting topics that are not always part of Bachelor\u2019s or Master\u2019s degree courses but are essential for advanced scientific research. In recent years, courses in areas such as data and measurement uncertainty management, applied statistics, and programming fundamentals have proved particularly useful. The course calendar is updated annually based on the training needs expressed by students and the availability of lecturers. Learning is assessed through practical exercises and case studies, often linked to the students\u2019 own research, enabling immediate application of acquired skills.<\/p>\n

Academic English courses are also compulsory and are designed to enhance students\u2019 skills in writing scientific papers and delivering presentations at international conferences. Proficiency in English is indeed essential for active participation in the international scientific community.<\/p>\n

In addition to the courses included in the programme, each student can further personalise their training by attending specialist seminars, workshops, intensive courses, or summer schools at other institutions, in line with their research and professional development needs.<\/p>\n

A key feature of the programme is the research experience abroad, which is strongly encouraged by the PhD Board. The numerous active international collaborations among members of the PhD Board facilitate research stays at foreign institutions and universities, offering PhD students a stimulating working environment and a valuable opportunity for scientific exchange. Internationalisation is also promoted through participation in international conferences and workshops, which are key opportunities for disseminating research findings, engaging with the scientific community, and building collaborative networks.<\/p>\n

The training programme also fosters the development of transversal (soft) and entrepreneurial skills, which are increasingly recognised as essential for the future careers of researchers. In this context, the Contamination Lab of the University of Pisa offers training and project-based initiatives focused on innovation, creativity, and technology transfer.<\/p>\n

The individual training plan, along with the research project, is defined by the PhD student in collaboration with their supervisors and submitted for approval by the Academic Board, ensuring consistency with the programme\u2019s training objectives and allowing for personalisation based on each candidate\u2019s scientific pathway.<\/p>\n

Course objectives<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The PhD in Industrial Engineering aims to train highly qualified researchers and professionals capable of conducting advanced research in their field and tackling complex problems in academic, industrial and institutional settings with a critical and multidisciplinary approach.<\/p>\n

The training programme is designed to achieve two main objectives:<\/p>\n

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  1. The production of significant scientific results, making a tangible contribution to the advancement of knowledge and innovation, particularly in the technological and industrial fields;<\/li>\n
  2. The development of advanced professional skills, enabling graduates to work as experts in universities, research centres, companies, and public or private organisations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Each PhD student\u2019s research and training plan is tailored to their needs, developed in agreement with their supervisors and approved by the Academic Board, to ensure alignment with the objectives of the course and the personal scientific and professional aspirations of the candidate.<\/p>\n

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    *Multidisciplinary and Personalised Training<\/p>\n

    The programme offers five curricula (Aerospace Engineering, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear and Industrial Safety Engineering, Land Vehicle and Transport Systems Engineering). This structure allows for a wide range of research topics, covering the main areas of industrial engineering and addressing diverse interests and areas of expertise. Students take part in cutting-edge research projects\u2014both theoretical and experimental\u2014supported by access to advanced laboratories at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering (DICI) and other university facilities.<\/p>\n

    Numerous collaborations with research institutions, businesses, and universities\u2014at both national and international levels\u2014further enhance students\u2019 integration into structured, multidisciplinary research environments.<\/p>\n

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    *Research Dissemination and Internationalisation<\/p>\n

    The first objective is achieved through the production of original scientific results, to be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed international journals, preferably open access, in line with Open Science principles. These activities enhance the visibility of the research conducted and promote direct engagement with the international scientific community.<\/p>\n

    Internationalisation is a central element of the programme: PhD students are strongly encouraged to spend research periods abroad, supported by the Academic Board\u2019s network of international collaborations. These experiences significantly enhance research quality and foster the personal and professional development of candidates.<\/p>\n

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    *Cross-Disciplinary and Career-Oriented Training<\/p>\n

    The enhancement of training is ensured through a wide range of specialised and cross-disciplinary courses, organised by the PhD programme or offered within the University and by external institutions, including in online formats. Over time, each curriculum has identified a set of core training activities\u2014such as seminars, workshops, summer schools, and intensive courses\u2014designed to enrich the scientific and methodological skills of PhD students.<\/p>\n

    The acquisition of language skills is supported by two English courses offered by the University Language Centre (CLI), focusing on academic writing and scientific communication in international contexts.<\/p>\n

    Entrepreneurial, innovative, and transversal skills are also prioritised. PhD students can participate in the activities of the Contamination Lab of the University of Pisa, an interdisciplinary learning and experimentation space designed to foster creativity, cross-sector collaboration, and the development of entrepreneurial ideas.<\/p>\n

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    *Skills for the Future<\/p>\n

    By the end of the programme, PhD students will be equipped to contribute to research and development across the main sectors of industrial engineering. They will work with autonomy, scientific rigour, and an innovative mindset, and they will be prepared to address challenges related to digitalisation, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability\u2014in line with the strategic priorities set out in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).<\/p>\n

    From the design of mechanical systems and industrial plants to the development of advanced materials and aerospace technologies, and applications in the fields of energy and safety, our PhD graduates will be ready to take on leadership roles in public and private research, contributing to the technological and sustainable transformation of society.<\/p>\n

    Curricula<\/strong><\/h2>\n