Veterinary Sciences

Coordinator

Prof. Paolo Francesco Di Iacovo
e-mail: francesco.diiacovo@unipi.it

Administrative seat

Department of Veterinary Sciences

Project description

The PhD Programme in Veterinary Sciences aims to train qualified researchers in the fields of veterinary sciences and animal production through a multidisciplinary scientific and cultural training. PhD candidates carry out their research using methods typical of biomedical research as applied to veterinary sciences, food safety, and animal production. Their activities take place in the laboratories, clinics, and other facilities of the Department of Veterinary Sciences, as well as in research institutions and companies affiliated with the department.

Throughout the three-year programme, PhD students develop a research project in a progressively independent manner, with the opportunity to specialise within the scientific-disciplinary areas that characterise veterinary sciences: VET, AGR, and BIO. To support PhD candidates along their research pathway and help them achieve independence in both research and clinical activities, the programme provides: access to facilities suited to each research line; participation in seminars and specialised courses aimed at creating a stimulating and competitive environment; attendance at national and international conferences; cultural exchanges and research stays at national and international governmental research institutions.

In line with the strategies outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and to promote synergy and integration between the academic world and the productive sector, The PhD programme will engage in direct and ongoing interaction with the research and development departments of local companies to develop joint projects aimed at offering innovative products and services to the market and to society.

All PhD candidates are supervised throughout their project by at least one supervisor. At the end of each academic year, each student must submit a report on their research activities, which is evaluated and approved by the PhD Board. At the end of the programme, the thesis is preliminarily reviewed by two external reviewers from other Italian or foreign universities. The PhD degree is awarded following a public examination before a committee of lecturers appointed by the PhD Academic Board.

The course promotes internationalisation through research periods abroad, co-supervision agreements with foreign researchers, and partnerships with international universities and research institutions.

Course objectives

The PhD Programme in Veterinary Sciences aims to provide research training across the various scientific sectors of veterinary sciences and animal production. Research areas include basic veterinary science disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry; animal production (animal science, nutrition, animal welfare); pathology (parasitology, infectious diseases, and pathology); veterinary obstetrics, surgery and clinical medicine; veterinary pharmacology and toxicology. Training also covers food safety, quality, and the valorisation of products of animal origin.

The aim of the programme is to provide graduates in the above-mentioned fields with a solid scientific and cultural foundation through the development of advanced research projects and the delivery of high-level specialised training. The ultimate goal is to train researchers with a high-level scientific and professional profile, equipped with the skills to carry out advanced research activities in both public and private institutions, as well as to pursue independent practice and take on leadership roles with significant international impact.

Scientific-disciplinary areas

Agronomy and Field Crops
Domestic Animal Anatomy
Biochemistry
Veterinary Surgical Clinic
Veterinary Internal Medicine
Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Rural Construction and Agro-Forestry Territory
Rural Economics and Appraisal
Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
Veterinary Physiology
Inspection of Food of Animal Origin
Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals
Animal Nutrition, General Animal Husbandry, and Genetic Improvement
Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of Animals
General Pathology and Veterinary Pathological Anatomy
Aquaculture
Zoology
Special Animal Husbandry

Internal regulations of the PhD Programme in Veterinary Sciences