The development of catalytic processes for energy and sustainable chemical production, based on the use of renewable energy and on the conversion of key molecules such as N₂, CH₄ and CO₂, represents one of the main pillars of the energy transition and the transformation of the chemical sector. These topics are at the core of European strategies (Horizon Europe, European Partnerships and Clusters) and national policies, including the PNRR, and are generating a rapidly growing demand for highly qualified professionals.
To address these challenges, the ACCESS PhD Programme trains a new generation of PhD graduates with a strong interdisciplinary profile, capable of integrating fundamental, engineering and applied knowledge, and of operating across the entire innovation chain, from basic research to industrial development.
Career and employment opportunities include:
- chemical, energy and materials industries;
- companies active in hydrogen technologies, CO₂ utilisation and decarbonisation solutions;
- public and private research centres;
- innovation agencies, technology consultancy and knowledge-transfer organisations;
- universities and international research institutions.
The programme prepares graduates for roles such as R&D researchers, project leaders, innovation managers, technology developers and scientific consultants, thanks to a training path that goes beyond narrow specialisation and fosters a long-term, strategic vision, which is essential during phases of industrial and energy transition.
Through mobility periods at universities and industrial partners, as well as dedicated training activities, the programme also provides transversal skills in scientific communication, intellectual property, project design and innovation management, significantly enhancing the employability and international competitiveness of PhD graduates.