Materials, Robotics, Systems, and Innovation: The PhD Program in “Materials, Mechatronics and Systems Engineering”

DII News: Professor Straffelini, the new call for applications for the 41st cycle of the PhD in Materials, Mechatronics and Systems Engineering has just been released. Can you tell us more about this program?

Prof. Straffelini: With pleasure. Our PhD program is a three-year, highly interdisciplinary course that integrates expertise in materials engineering, mechanical and mechatronic systems, microelectronics, and operations research. The goal is to train researchers and professionals capable of tackling complex challenges by combining advanced theory, modeling, and experimentation.

DII News: What are the main research areas?

Prof. Straffelini: There are four.

• The first is Materials Science and Engineering, where we focus on innovative materials such as nanostructured alloys, advanced ceramics, polymers, and materials for energy. There’s also a strong biomedical component.
• Then there’s the Mechanical and Mechatronic Systems area, inspired by Concurrent Engineering. Here, we work on autonomous vehicles, robotics, modeling, simulation, control, and space mechanisms.
• The third area involves Integrated Electronic and Microelectronic Systems, with research on microsensors, embedded systems, SoCs, and data acquisition methodologies.
• Lastly, we have Operations Research, which develops quantitative tools for optimization and decision support, including simulation and risk management.

DII News: And in terms of education?

Prof. Straffelini: Each year, we approve a Study Manifesto that includes around 30 courses tailored to PhD students. These are agile modules, worth 2 or 3 credits, that combine theoretical foundations with an applied approach. The teaching is very interactive: discussions, group work, simulations, and lab activities. Students must earn at least 40 credits, half of which come from official courses, with the rest obtained through workshops, summer schools, and other training activities.

DII News: What international growth opportunities does the program offer?

Prof. Straffelini: Many. We strongly encourage participation in conferences, international schools, and research periods abroad, which are an integral part of the program. In addition to an individual research budget, students who spend more than a month outside Italy are entitled to a 50% increase in their scholarship. We also collaborate with prestigious institutions worldwide, making these stays particularly rich in opportunities.

DII News: Are there any networking events within the Department?

Prof. Straffelini: Absolutely. Every year, we organize presentation events, such as poster sessions or the Industrial Engineering Day, which is open to over thirty leading companies. These events not only showcase our PhD students’ work but also strengthen the sense of the scientific community and facilitate contact with the professional world. Sharing is a key part of academic growth.

DII News: Let’s talk numbers. What does the new call include?

Prof. Straffelini: For the 41st cycle, there are 23 funded positions available (20 of which are tied to specific research topics) and 3 unfunded positions. All the details, including the funded topics, are outlined in the official call, which has just been published:
https://www.unitn.it/it/dottorati/materiali-meccatronica-e-ingegneria-dei-sistemi 

DII News: One last question: why apply?

Prof. Straffelini: Our PhD program combines scientific depth, personalized training, and a strong international network. If you’re curious, determined, and ready to challenge yourself in a dynamic environment, this is the right place for you!