Physics

Unife

• Mattia Bulla
• Roberto Calabrese
• Giuseppe Ciullo
• Giovanni Di Domenico
• Alessandro Drago
• Massimiliano Fiorini
• Isabella Garzia
• Vincenzo Guidi
• Cristiano Guidorzi
• Eleonora Luppi
• Cesare Malagu'
• Fabio Mantovani
• Isabella Masina
• Andrea Mazzolari
• Paolo Natoli
• Luca Pagano
• Giuseppe Pagliara
• Luciano Libero Pappalardo
• Barbara Ricci
• Piero Rosati
• Sebastiano Fabio Schifano
• Federico Spizzo
• Angelo Taibi
• Luca Tomassetti
• Guido Zavattini

Other University

Other institution

The analysis conducted in this way has allowed for a clear identification of the objectives of the PhD Program in Physics. Specifically, the program aims to train the next generation of researchers and experts who are capable of actively participating in research activities with a high level of professional qualification. This includes a solid and broad scientific knowledge base, a good level of scientific maturity and independence, soft skills, and communication abilities, enabling them to tackle current challenges in specific research areas.

In detail, the PhD graduate will be expected to have an excellent understanding of the scientific method and should have developed strong problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to analyze and manage data. They must also be capable of working independently, as well as collaborating in interdisciplinary teams, and of managing and/or designing complex instrumentation and software. The PhD graduate will be a versatile figure, with the capacity for self-updating, allowing them to contribute effectively in both innovative research and technological fields, which are constantly evolving.

Specifically, for experimental activities, PhD students should be able to contribute to the design, implementation, and dissemination of an experimental research project (commonly referred to as an "experiment"), aimed at understanding a complex physical system that presents aspects that are not yet fully clarified. To achieve this, students will be guided to gain autonomy in managing innovative and complex instruments, using the latest technologies, including computer-based tools. On the other hand, for more theoretical activities, students will be guided to conceive, develop, and/or create models for physical systems whose behavior is not yet fully described by existing theories or models. These activities will be carried out using advanced mathematical methods and computational tools. In both cases, the PhD graduate should be capable of addressing the unresolved and most important issues in their research field, with independent thinking and the ability to stay updated at the highest levels in an international context.

Finally, the PhD graduate will acquire awareness of issues related to technology transfer, innovative processes, and the managerial aspects of research, particularly in relation to national and European funding instruments.

The PhD program also aims to train professionals capable of communicating their work at various levels. Specifically, the PhD graduate should be able to write scientific papers and technical reports aimed at the scientific community, but also to engage in scientific communication and public outreach, addressing a broader audience. Communication skills will also be directed toward the preparation of research proposals at the regional, national, and European levels.

The Path Through the PhD Program in Physics

The fundamental structure of the program is based on a faculty board composed of representatives from various areas of Physics with a solid scientific background, recognized both nationally and internationally. The spectrum of competencies and research activities is very broad, encompassing numerous fields of Physics, as evidenced by the curriculum vitae of the board members and their scientific output.

The research and training path is planned by the PhD student in collaboration with their supervisor, in a flexible and structured manner. This role is distributed evenly among the faculty members to encourage close interaction between the student and their supervisor. The research and training path is carefully balanced to give appropriate weight to different activities: research activities, dissemination/communication of research results, research ethics, and technology transfer. At the same time, contact with the academic world is encouraged. In fact, the PhD student may engage in tutoring and teaching support activities. Specifically, to progress to the next academic year, in addition to research and training activities, teaching and communication activities are also positively evaluated. These activities are all essential to building a solid interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary knowledge base, crucial for facing the ongoing updates required in both the scientific field and society.

To enhance the scientific, cultural, and professional growth of PhD students, international pathways are encouraged. These include collaborations with researchers from foreign institutions, as well as periods of stay abroad and exchanges between PhD students and faculty with other Italian and international institutions. These opportunities are made possible by the fact that faculty members collaborate with several prestigious research centers such as CERN in Geneva, FNAL in Chicago, FAIR in Darmstadt, IHEP in Beijing, Jefferson Lab in Virginia, and the Polish Academy of Sciences - Institute of Nuclear Physics, with which there is an active partnership.

Another significant opportunity for growth, both scientifically and professionally, arises from the close collaboration with international and national research institutions (such as CERN, FermiLab, IHEP, Jefferson Lab, Juelich, FAIR, BNL, ASI, CNR, INAF, INFN, with which a long-standing agreement is in place). This collaboration provides PhD students with a rich and constantly updated training program, including scientific and laboratory activities, aligned with the objectives of the program, in a highly stimulating research environment.

Collaborations also extend to companies involved in joint research projects, which are key to developing the PhD student’s ability to work in teams, both in national and international contexts, and on complex projects. Specifically, numerous partnerships with private companies and public institutions in applied physics and beyond allow for a fruitful exchange of expertise with the production world and offer opportunities for employees to engage in doctoral programs, as has frequently happened in the past.

In conclusion, the program is designed to place the PhD student at its center. The student benefits from an international learning community, with courses that are both sector-specific and methodological, managerial, and project-oriented, aimed at training researchers with interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary knowledge, capable of integrating different scientific approaches to tackle future complex challenges. The training offered, including teamwork skills and the ability to work in heterogeneous and/or interdisciplinary environments, is broad in scope and aims to develop excellent problem-solvers with the necessary soft skills and communication abilities at various levels. In fact, PhD holders in Physics are highly valued in innovative sectors such as economics (econophysics), the biomedical field, and the complex, transdisciplinary sector of environmental sciences. It is also important to note the growing interest from the productive, institutional, and scientific world—particularly in fields outside physics—toward our PhD graduates, due to their expertise in managing and analyzing Big Data and applying Artificial Intelligence with high-performance computing infrastructures, including heterogeneous ones. The unprecedented volume of data produced by these new actors requires versatile professionals capable of extracting economic and social value from the data itself.

The core research themes of the PhD program are highly diversified, reflecting the wide range of research activities conducted by the groups at the Department. These activities can be grouped into the following themes: particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, theoretical physics, solid-state physics, and applied physics in health, environment, and energy.

Physics Elementary Particle
The Department hosts a well-established research groups dedicated to studying the interactions of the fundamental constituents of matter through particle accelerator experiments. Current research focuses on a deeper understanding of the Standard Model and the search for new phenomena that may go beyond its predictions, such as studying matter-antimatter asymmetry and seeking potential candidates for dark matter. In this field, the faculty participates in major international experiments, such as LHCb at the CERN LHC accelerator, and BESIII at the BEPCII collider in IHEP (Beijing), which conducts research on hadronic spectroscopy and exotic physics, as well as the study of the proton electric dipole moment measured in accumulation rings. Other important "underground" physics experiments include neutrino studies, both from reactors (JUNO in China) and from accelerators (DUNE at Fermilab), as well as dark matter research (Xenon at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories), along with R&D activities on new detector technologies for future experiments.

These disciplines are complemented by computational physics activities and applications, as well as the development of advanced scientific computing technologies, from big data analytics to quantum computing. For this purpose, the faculty also includes members from the Computer Science area (01-B1).

Astrophysics and Cosmology
One of the main activities focuses on the development of X-ray and gamma-ray sensors with a focusing system at the LARIX (LARge Italian X-ray) facility. Additionally, some groups in this field participate in major international space missions, such as: Euclid, an ESA mission that will provide data on the shape and distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters to contribute to understanding the accelerated expansion of the universe, dark energy, dark matter, and gravity; LiteBIRD, dedicated to studying the primordial universe and cosmic inflation by searching for traces of primordial gravitational waves; LSPE, which aims to measure the large-scale polarization of the cosmic microwave background.

Theoretical Physics
In this area, several specific initiatives are active, with both national and international collaborations, covering a wide range of topics in astrophysics, cosmology, and medical physics. For example, the study of the primordial universe, dark matter, dark energy, properties of elementary particles, and alternative gravity theories. In the future, these studies will also rely on data from space missions to enhance research in the field of neutron star physics and strange matter formation. Other areas of interest include theoretical particle physics and astrophysics, with a focus on phenomena such as neutrino physics, dark matter, astrophysical radiation sources, cosmology, and the connection to particle physics.

Solid-State Physics
Research focuses on: i) the design and realization of semiconductor-based devices for applications in gas sensing and photovoltaic energy conversion; ii) coherent orientational interactions for the manipulation of ultrarelativistic particle trajectories; iii) study and characterization of nanostructured magnetic systems, in the form of thin films, nanoparticles, and nanocomposites; and iv) theoretical study of spin waves in nanostructures. These activities are carried out in highly specialized laboratories focused on solid-state gas sensors, micromachining of silicon, photovoltaic systems, production and characterization of magnetic materials, and computational systems. The research objectives include: developing advanced technologies for the early identification of cancerous pathologies and biomarker screening; applying coherent interaction studies in crystals to high-energy accelerator machines or high-efficiency calorimeters; conducting new studies on biocompatible hybrid magnetic materials for regenerative medicine and deformation sensor applications; and theoretically investigating the effects of the 3D structure of nanostructured materials on the properties of spin waves and other excitations.

Applied Physics in Health, Environment, and Energy
Research in medical physics aims at developing a new generation of X-ray sensors with ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution to improve medical diagnostics and tissue characterization techniques. In environmental physics, research focuses on remote and proximal monitoring using drones, experimental aircraft, and artificial intelligence-based analysis software. The goal is to develop sensors with medium-high technological maturity (TRL 5-7) for water, soil, and precision agriculture management. In the energy field, the objective is to develop energy-autonomous systems with sensing, energy harvesting, and low-power wireless communication capabilities. This includes integrating high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies, nanotechnologies for lithium micro-batteries with integrated battery management systems, and supercapacitors.

The training activities offered by the PhD program cover both specific topics within the discipline and broad themes essential for an interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approach to research. This is made possible through collaboration with the educational offerings of the Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS).

The specific educational offer consists of more than 30 courses designed and organized for PhD students. These courses are regularly updated, taking into account the aspirations and feedback of the students. The courses are taught by expert scholars from the University of Ferrara as well as other universities or research institutions. They cover both specialized research topics and more transversal themes, such as simulation methods, advanced scientific programming technologies, and data analysis. Each course offers frontal teaching, with a commitment of three hours per credit unit (CFU), and utilizes innovative teaching and assessment methods compared to traditional university courses. For example, students may be asked to elaborate on the topics covered by presenting projects or seminars on specific cases. In case of gaps in the student’s background on topics taught in their Master's degree, they can choose to take additional courses in those areas.

Alongside the courses, the PhD program offers a rich schedule of seminars, both in person and remote, organized by the Department and by research institutions with which the Department collaborates. Additionally, the Department has recently established a monthly Colloquia program, where research activities of various groups are presented in a more accessible manner. This allows PhD students to familiarize themselves with the research topics of different groups within the department, fostering collaboration and providing a space for students to develop their communication skills.

The PhD program encourages participation in teaching, tutoring, and third mission activities, as long as these are compatible with the student's research activities, ensuring a proper balance between various tasks. Students are encouraged to participate in conferences, workshops, training schools, and to publish their research results, preferably in open-access formats. This is made possible both through the research budgets allocated to the PhD students and through the resources of the research groups they work with. Furthermore, students have access to resources such as workstations, laboratory facilities, and network connections (wired and wireless), as well as computational resources.

The program lasts for three years, with the goal of training versatile young researchers capable of conducting fundamental and applied research at universities and research institutions, as well as in industrial, financial, or consultancy sectors. The PhD program provides solid foundational training, especially during the first year, which focuses on completing cultural background knowledge and introducing students to research activities. Advanced courses in research topics (both experimental, theoretical, and applied) are offered along with seminars that span the entire three-year period, taught by members of the teaching staff and by researchers from other Italian and international institutions. During the second and third years, the focus shifts more towards research activities.

At the beginning of each year, the PhD student presents a study and research plan, agreed upon with their tutor. At the end of each year, an examination takes place to assess progress and determine admission to the following year or the final exam, contingent upon achieving 60 ECTS credits. All the activities described above (courses attended, scientific production, conferences, schools, teaching, third mission, periods abroad, or at external institutions) contribute towards achieving these credits and are reviewed for the evaluation of the training program. At the end of each year, the PhD student presents the status of their research activities in a public seminar. This is an important part of their training, as it helps to develop communication skills and strengthens their autonomy. Additionally, it contributes to enhancing interactions between PhD students, fostering autonomy and collaboration in future research activities.

At the end of the program, the PhD student will produce a thesis and defend it in front of a committee appointed for the final exam. Access to this exam is conditional on achieving original and significant research results. Two external reviewers, who are not part of the faculty, will assess the thesis and provide a merit-based evaluation of the work. The final exam committee, appointed by the faculty, consists mostly of external members, including international experts, and provides a written opinion on the student’s research work and thesis presentation.

PhD students participating in the dual-degree program will have one tutor from each institution (one Italian and one Polish), with whom they will define their research plan. The final exam for obtaining the dual degree will involve members from both faculties. All PhD students have the opportunity to conduct research periods abroad, including extended stays. For those in the international dual-degree program, it is mandatory to spend at least six months abroad during the three years.

See the activities

For many years, an agreement has been in place for the awarding of a dual Ph.D. degree in Physics with the Polish Academy of Science - Institute of Nuclear Physics (IFJ PAN), which has led to several interesting collaboration opportunities. IFJ PAN is currently one of the largest institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, holding an A+ category in the field of physical sciences. The institute has also achieved the status of a Leading National Research Center (KNOW) for the years 2012–2017. In 2017, the European Commission awarded IFJ PAN the "HR Excellence in Research" recognition.

As part of the collaboration, Ph.D. students can conduct basic and applied research in various fields: structure of matter, properties of fundamental interactions from the cosmic scale to that of elementary particles, interdisciplinary and applied research. The agreement stipulates that for each cycle, one Ph.D. student from each institution will also be enrolled in the Ph.D. program of the partner institution, with supervisors from both sides, and will participate in the training and research activities of both universities. In this context, each dual-degree student must also spend at least six months at the partner institution or at a third international institution of mutual interest, which supports the optimal execution of the doctoral thesis research. Furthermore, an exchange of professors and Ph.D. students takes place between the two institutions for seminar activities offered to all Ph.D. students, including those not involved in the dual-degree program.

Recently, the international dual-degree program "International Joint Ph.D. Programme in Relativistic Astrophysics" (JIRA) was established between UNIFE and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). The program includes basic and applied research activities in various fields of relativistic astrophysics and cosmology, with at least one year of mobility at the partner institutions.

Engagement with the Productive and Social Sectors
International mobility periods are strongly encouraged also for Ph.D. students not participating in the dual-degree program. These can be undertaken at other universities and research centers and, in some cases, through collaborations with companies, even at international enterprises. Participation in the path leading to the title of Doctor Europaeus is also promoted. In certain cases, extended periods abroad naturally result from the strong international focus of the research groups to which the Ph.D. students belong. These groups include highly qualified Italian and international scholars and experts. Depending on the field of their thesis work, Ph.D. students have access to prestigious international research facilities such as CERN in Geneva, FNAL in Chicago, FAIR in Darmstadt, IHEP in Beijing, and Jefferson Lab in Virginia, either as visiting students or visiting scientists, working within research groups that include numerous institutions from various countries.

In terms of training, the thematic schools (sector-specific or interdisciplinary) that Ph.D. students are invited to attend often have an international scope. The collaborations of research groups engaged in applied physics activities also extend to companies involved in joint research projects. Such activities are essential for fostering the ability of Ph.D. students to work in teams within both national and international environments and on complex projects. Specifically, the numerous relationships with private companies and public institutions, in the field of Applied Physics and beyond, facilitate a fruitful exchange of expertise with the productive sector, often incorporating company employees into the doctoral program, as has frequently occurred to date.

This synergy with various sectors of the labor market has also extended to the co-financing of Ph.D. scholarships. In recent cycles, numerous scholarships have been supported by contributions from companies. The minimum period that a student must spend in companies or industries is six months.

Operational and Scientific Structures

Equipment and/or Laboratories
The following laboratories are available to Ph.D. students: Astrophysics; Magnetic Materials Physics; Medical Physics; Electronics; High-Performance and Distributed Computing; Computational Physics; Laser and Magneto-Optical Traps; Vacuum Polarization; Natural and Artificial Radioactivity; Development, Construction, and Testing of Elementary Particle Detectors; Sensors and Semiconductors; Clean Room; Vacuum and Mass Spectrometry; Photodetector Lab.

Library Resources
The Science and Technology Library holds periodicals and monographs in various disciplines (physics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, architecture, earth sciences) and maintains the Physics Book Collection, which is part of the University of Ferrara’s historically significant collections.

The library has a collection of over 28,000 monographs, including more than 7,100 specific to physics. The interlibrary loan service allows access to resources not available at the university.

Subscriptions to journals include over 10,500 journal volumes, with 117 active journal subscriptions.

E-resources
The list of accessible databases is available at this address.

Available subscriptions include:

• Consortial agreements: Elsevier, Springer-Kluwer, Wiley-Blackwell.
• Scientific databases: JSTOR, Scopus, American Chemical Society journal package, Science Online, ISI-Web of Science, CAS Scifinder, UNI standards.
  Additional resources are also accessible through INFN channels and the article Document Delivery service.

Ph.D. students have access to Microsoft Office software under the “campus” license, which includes Matlab and antivirus systems. Through INFN, a partner in the agreement, access is provided to Labview and Adobe Acrobat. Other frequently used software includes open-source tools (R, ROOT) or licensed software purchased by research groups (e.g., Mathematica). Additional software used by research groups includes CAD and simulation programs, such as NX, Ansys, Esacomp, and Quartus.

Workspaces and Computing Resources
Each Ph.D. student is assigned a workstation in an office within the department, equipped with network connectivity, including wireless access. Students have access to departmental and INFN computing resources, as well as, upon request, the INFN computing center (CNAF) and CINECA. Available on-site are a heterogeneous high-performance computing farm and computing resources specific to research groups, along with access to national HTC and HPC computing resources.

Other Resources

Computing and Networking Services

• Manage computing resources and collaborate with Unife and INFN services.
• Collaborate with GARR (the Italian Research and Education Network).
• Manage maintenance contracts.
• Maintain the department's IT infrastructure.
• Participate in national working groups for hardware and software testing.

National and European GRID computing resources, a heterogeneous high-performance computing farm, and computing resources specific to research groups are also available.