Universit� degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

UNIgreen's new joint PhD in Agri-food Science, Technology and Biotechnology is launched

Applications are now open for the new Joint PhD Programme in Agri-food Science, Technology and Biotechnology - STEBA UNIgreen, a major initiative of the UNIgreen Alliance - the Green European University. The call for applications is available at this link .

Based on the pre-existing PhD in Agri-food Science, Technology and Biotechnology at Unimore, this new joint degree is the result of the collaboration between five members of the UNIgreen Alliance: it will be jointly awarded by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (administrative seat of the course), the University of Almeria (Spain), the Agricultural University of Plovdiv (Bulgaria), the Agricultural University of Iceland (Iceland) and the Polytechnic University of Coimbra (Portugal).

The new PhD aims to provide students with advanced training in the fields of science, technology and agrifood biotechnology, with a focus on sustainable aspects in support of the green transition. Students will be prepared to independently develop research, communicate results through scientific publications, plan and present research projects and transfer results to companies in the sector. This course aims to train highly qualified experts who are able to tackle complex problems in the agri-food sector and independently manage research and projects, both in academic and industrial contexts..

"The UNIgreen Joint PhD Programme in Agro-Food Science, Technology and Biotechnology," emphasises Prof. Tomás Lorenzana de la Varga, General Coordinator of UNIgreen, "is not only the first of its kind for the UNIgreen Alliance, but also a pioneering initiative for some of the participating institutions. This milestone reflects a significant step forward in our commitment to collaborative, cross-border education and research. It represents our collective dedication to promote education and research through collaboration and innovation. As the overall coordinator of UNIgreen, I would like to expressly thank Prof. Daniela Quaglino and her team in UNIgreen's Work Package 2, Teaching and Learning, for their hard and good work in bringing this programme to life. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the many achievements and innovations that our PhD students will realise. This programme not only enhances individual careers, but also strengthens the collaborative spirit and academic excellence of the UNIgreen Alliance. We invite PhD candidates to join us in this pioneering venture and help shape a sustainable future for the agri-food sector."

"Our aim," comments Unimore's Magnificent Rector, Prof. Carlo Adolfo Porro, "is to prepare highly qualified researchers and professionals capable of tackling the complex challenges of the agri-food sector with advanced scientific skills and a strong focus on sustainability. The integration of agricultural and food knowledge with innovative technologies and green biotechnologies is crucial to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture, in line with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

"I am convinced," concludes the Rector, "that our PhD students will greatly benefit from the opportunities offered by the UNIgreen Alliance, which will enrich their education with international experiences and collaborations."

According to ISTAT estimates, even during the pandemic crisis agriculture and the food industry proved to be more resilient than the general average of the economy. More generally, in the two-year period 2019-2020, the Italian agri-food system proved to be one of the cornerstones of the national economy; considering all its components (agriculture, agro-industry, catering, large-scale distribution etc.) it contributed to over 15% of Italian GDP. More recently, the report published by the Centre for Policy and Bioeconomy Research (CREA) on the trend of the agri-food sector in the third quarter of 2023 reports that the turnover index of the agri-food industry grew compared to the same period in 2022 by 4% for the foreign market and 8% for the domestic market, against a contraction in production. This indicates an increase in the value of agri-food production, which is also the result of the high level of technology and quality achieved. In this context, the contribution of research and innovation at the service of the production sectors is fundamental. Therefore, the demand for highly professional figures in the disciplines relating to the sectors of agricultural production, food processing and agri-food control and safety is still high, also due to the essential nature of the agri-food sector.

The call for applications is open from 27 June to 26 July. Those who, on 31 October 2024, are in possession of a master's degree, a postgraduate degree or a degree of the old system obtained in Italy or a similar academic qualification obtained at a foreign university may participate in the selection, without age or nationality restrictions. 12 places are available, 11 of which are covered by scholarships.

For further information and to register for the English-language information meeting to be held on Tuesday 9 July at 1 p.m. online, please visit  https://unigreen-alliance.eu/ .

Categorie: International - english