2019/20 PhD Programs at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

One of the four field-specific tracks is Cognitive, Computational and Social Neurosciences, which is under the “Cognitive and Cultural Systems” PhD Program. This research-based, multidisciplinary track focuses on cognitive, computational and social neurosciences, and integrates basic neuroscience methods, including molecular biology and genetics, with traditional experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Students will attend multiple courses, including fundamentals in cognitive psychology, behavioral and social neuroscience, neuropsychology, psychophysiology, neuroethics, neural basis of perception, neural basis of consciousness, philosophy of science, critical thinking, structural and functional neuroimaging, and basic/advanced methods for data analysis. In particular, the CCSN track is designed to train researchers who will contribute to knowledge in (multi)disciplinary areas such as multisensory perception, supramodality and cross-modality; sleep and consciousness; action recognition and motor control; neuroplasticity and learning; organization of semantic concepts; neurolinguistics; social and antisocial behavior; decision-making processes in economics and financial environments; aesthetic perception. During their doctoral studies, students are encouraged to carry out their research with the School’s Research Units. For conducting their experimental activities, students can rely on both in-house and outsourcing facilities. The IMT School has a Cyberphysics Lab equipped for behavioral, psychophysics and EEG (64 and 256 channels amplifiers) research. Functional and structural MRI studies can be conducted at any of the partner MRI scanner sites in Pisa (1.5 and 7 Tesla) and Massa (3 Tesla); EEG and fMRI acquisition could be combined.

Courses are led by world-renowned researchers and provide students with all the theoretical skills and advanced tools required for rigorously tackling a multitude of analysis, design and management problems within the broad framework of systems analysis in economic, social, scientific, technological and cultural domains. Specialized faculty and staff create a network that provides key guidance and support throughout the PhD Program. Working closely with faculty, both in the classroom and in the development of research, students reach the highest levels of scholarly achievement. IMT School PhD graduates will be able to use the skills they acquired during their studies to recognize and resolve complex problems, to choose the most appropriate method or instrument to utilize when approaching these problems, even in disciplines outside of their primary field of research.

Highly motivated candidates from all disciplines are invited to apply for one of the 32 fully-funded scholarships within two doctoral Programs that integrate scientific competences of economics, engineering, computer science, neuroscience and behavioral psychology, physics, applied mathematics, statistics, history and sciences of cultural heritage.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

All students are based in the recently restored San Francesco complex, a fully integrated Campus in the historical center of the beautiful Tuscan city of Lucca. The Campus includes renewed residential facilities, an on-site canteen, study and living rooms, a state-of-the-art library and outdoor recreational spaces, which foster a unique cultural, professional and social environment for our doctoral program. Eligible students, in addition to free room and board, will also receive a research scholarship which amounts to approximately €15,300/year. The scholarships are fully-funded for up to four years, with a possibility of graduating after the third year.

IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, one of the six Schools of Excellence in Italy and one of the highest rated graduate schools in Europe according to the most recent U-Multirank survey.