Sustainability sciences integrate environmental, economic, social and governance-related expertise to guide the transition towards development models that are compatible with planetary boundaries and with the well-being of present and future generations. In this context, the SUS_SCI PhD Programme aims to train experts capable of addressing complex problems through a transdisciplinary approach focused on sustainability, circularity, climate change mitigation and the responsible use of resources.
Compared with other existing PhD programmes, SUS_SCI is characterized by a strong foundation in the expertise developed in the fields of renewable energy, carbon circularity, energy transition and low-carbon technologies, integrated with knowledge from chemistry, biology, Earth sciences, economics and related disciplines. The objective is to provide PhD students with scientific, technological and methodological tools to develop sustainable solutions with both industrial and societal impact.
The training objectives include disciplinary skills in the chemical, biological and environmental fields, with a focus on the development of sustainable processes, advanced catalysis, innovative materials, waste valorization, biodiversity and the assessment of environmental impacts. These are complemented by interdisciplinary skills, including scale-up, sustainable business models, resource management, risk mitigation, digital twins and Green IT, as well as transversal skills related to research management, scientific communication, intellectual property, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and ethics.
The PhD Programme therefore promotes a systemic vision of sustainability, integrating fundamental, applied and technological aspects. Particular attention is devoted to green chemistry, renewable energy, carbon and raw material circularity, environmental monitoring, and the valorization of waste and by-products, with the aim of contributing to the development of resilient, green and circular processes for the benefit of both industry and society.