PhD Mobility

PhD Students' Mobility

By its nature, research in Physics is characterized by a high degree of internationalization, and the vast majority of the Department of Physics' activities are carried out in collaboration with international universities and/or research centers. Consequently, throughout their training, Physics PhD students are naturally led to carry out research periods at other institutions in Italy or abroad.

As a general rule, the Academic Board has established that all PhD students must undertake at least one experience involving contact with the international scientific community during the three-year program. This may include a research internship with a foreign research group, participation in an international conference, or attendance at an international scientific school.

Regarding research periods abroad, students of the PhD program in Physics have the opportunity to join the numerous collaborations already active within the Department's research framework.

In addition to natural mobility towards Research Institutes and Agencies, the PhD program has also significantly increased mobility towards companies with innovative technological content. In the context of PhD programs linked to the PON 2014–2020 projects, it is explicitly required that students spend a research period at a company (typically at least six months), with the optional possibility of an additional period at a foreign research institute.

Considering only PhD students from the 27th to the 35th cycles (excluding the 34th, for which the last two years coincided with the pandemic), approximately 55% of the students spent a period of one month or more abroad. For stays longer than 3 months, the percentage drops to 41%, while long periods exceeding one year account for about 10%. During the same period, four PhD students completed their thesis under a co-tutelle agreement with a foreign university.

 

Procedure for Mobility

  1. The PhD student, in agreement with their supervisor, plans the mobility period and defines its scientific motivations.

  2. The authorization request must be submitted through the U-GOV platform, selecting the relevant project, PhD programme, and other required information.

  3. The PhD Programme Coordinator approves the request directly on U-GOV.

  4. During the mobility period, the platform tracks the entire stay abroad.

  5. Upon return, the PhD student must submit on U-GOV the reimbursement request for the expenses incurred during the mission.

  6. All expenses must be traceable and supported by valid documentation (invoices, receipts, tickets, etc.).

  7. No paper forms or signatures are required anymore: the entire process is managed digitally.

Request for Scholarship Increase

  1. PhD students with a scholarship are entitled to a 50% increase for periods spent abroad, up to a total maximum of 12 months.

  2. To obtain the increase, the PhD student must require a certificate from the host institution, printed on official letterhead and signed by the local supervisor, stating:

    • the actual period spent abroad;

    • a brief summary of the activities carried out.

  3. The document must be sent to the PhD office of the department to allow the monthly payment of the increase.