Overview

The Science of Drug and Bioactive Substances PhD degree from University of Pisa Key Facts:

The general research areas developed can be summarized as follow:

research of drugs through rational design, synthesis or extraction of active molecules from natural sources;
understanding of the biochemical, physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of action of these molecules;
research of formulations of medicinal specialties;
research of the impact that bioactive substances have on man and the environment.

This Science of Drug and Bioactive Substances program from University of Pisa, primary focused on the study of bioactive substances, brings together different disciplines and methodologies, both in reference to the Italian CUN areas (03 and 05) and specific ERC areas (Life Science, Physical Science and Engineering). The highly interdisciplinary content of the research carried out at the Department of Pharmacy and therefore in the PhD Course makes fruitful collaborations among researchers from the various scientific disciplines, as well as with national and international research groups. In line with this, doctoral students are strongly encouraged to carry out part of their research project at highly qualified foreign institutions.

Career opportunities:

The title of SDBS PhD opens important employment scenarios mainly in the world of pharmaceuticals, health products, nutraceuticals, as well as in multidisciplinary healthy activities.

Titled PhD could enter in several applied fields such as: design, research and development, biological analysis, qualitative/quantitative analysis of substances, both at Italian and foreign public research entities.

The title PhD could undertake an academic career, both in chemical-pharmaceutical, biotechnological, food, cosmetic and health products companies.

Programme Structure

In addition, the Doctoral Course, in order to ensure a complete and correct interdisciplinary training, provides highly qualified training activities, including:

Cycles of monographic lessons held by PhD inner and external teachers ;

Seminars held by national and international teachers of high scientific level;

Participation in national and international schools addressed to doctoral students, summer and/or winter schools;

Organization of thematic workshops.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-11-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-18 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pisa, Italy

Disciplines

Chemistry Public Health Pharmacy View 15 other PhDs in Chemistry in Italy

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Candidates who possess a foreign academic degree equivalent in level, nature, contents and academic rights (access to further courses) to the Italian academic qualification required for admission to a PhD program may provide the consular documents of the academic degree (translation, legalization and declaration of value) with the sole aim to facilitate the evaluation of eligibility of the academic degree for admission to the PhD program.
The application for admission is in any case subject to the evaluation, by the examining board or the PhD Council, of the eligibility of the foreign academic degree for enrolment in the PhD program.
Candidates are strongly recommended to attach to the application for admission, in addition to the aforementioned consular documents (translation, legalization, declaration of value), also other documents useful for the evaluation of the foreign degree.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Pisa and/or in Italy, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

Free

Additional Details

PhD students are exempt from paying university tuition fees and are only required to pay the regional tax, amounting to €140.00 per year.

Living costs

Pisa

Italy

750 - 1100 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Science of Drug and Bioactive Substances.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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