General Information

Since 1995, the Consorzio Mario Negri Sud has participated in a full-time PhD Programme in the Biomedical Sciences as a Sponsoring Establishment of the Open University of the United Kingdom. Our PhD Programme provides interdisciplinary training and research opportunities for University graduates who wish to work towards a PhD. The PhD Programme Faculty consists mainly of CMNS staff members, with multiple research interests including Cell Biology, Oncology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes and Epidemiology.

The language of our PhD Programme is English, and it leads to a written PhD thesis that is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy awarded by the Open University. A PhD thesis must be a well planned, executed and presented piece of research work that provides a significant contribution to scientific knowledge. Hence, it should be worthy of publication, and give evidence of not just proficiency in research methods and techniques and a good knowledge of the literature, but also the candidate's ability to undertake further research without supervision. Our goal is to train a select group of promising candidates for careers in science.

We are therefore looking for young, highly-motivated University Graduates that see their future as part of a Research Team working in an environment of scientific excellence at a well-recognised International Research Institute.

Duration and Financial Support

The typical duration of PhD registration at the CMNS is 3-4 years, plus an initial training period of about 3-6 months. During this time, the PhD students are supported by predoctoral fellowships which are either provided through the CMNS Departments or obtained by the PhD students themselves. On-campus housing in the CMNS Residences will be provided throughout the duration of the course.

Thesis Supervision

In addition to the day-to-day interactions between a PhD student and their Director of Studies, each PhD student has one or more Second Supervisors and a Third Party Monitor. Second Supervisors are International Researchers that have suitable experience in the supervision of PhD students according to UK regulations, and the PhD project content. The Third Party Monitor is chosen by the PhD student from Department members of suitable experience, and is available for both personal and work-related advice and help.

Every 4 months, each PhD student produces a detailed report on their progress for that period, and they present 2-3 seminars each year on their work to a Departmental audience. At least once a year, each PhD student meets to discuss their PhD project and progress with their Second Supervisor(s) in person, with further contact and discussion via Email and attendance at International Meetings. For detailed information on the administrative and academic arrangements for Research Degree studies in Sponsoring Establishments of the Open University, please consult the Student Handbook online.

Seminars Programme

As well as the PhD students' seminars, the CMNS PhD Programme Coordinator provides a series of both technical and scientific seminars for the PhD students that are designed to widen their abilities and understanding of the equipment used and research followed throughout the Biomedical Sciences. PhD students will also be expected to take a full and active part in the Laboratory, Departmental and Institute group meetings and seminars, and to attend National and International Meetings.