PhD in Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing

Vision and Mission
The PhD in Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing provides advanced interdisciplinary training to prepare researchers capable of addressing the complex determinants of human wellbeing. The program integrates life sciences, behavioral sciences, digital technologies, and environmental studies to develop innovative, evidence-based strategies promoting physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

Students learn to:

• Conduct multimodal assessments of wellbeing, including physiological, molecular, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions
• Use wearable sensors, omics technologies, digital platforms, and immersive environments for real-life or simulated studies
• Identify individual risk and resilience profiles, develop predictive models, and optimize personalized interventions
• Explore interactions between environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial dynamics across the lifespan

Program Description

The program focuses on the exposome, linking environmental exposures to biological and behavioral responses. Students use wearable devices, biochemical patches, biomarkers, omics, and digital technologies for multidimensional data collection. They study complex bio-psycho-environmental interactions, with emphasis on stress regulation, resilience, and lifestyle optimization. International co-supervision and mobility provide access to specialized labs and collaborations with public, industrial, and healthcare partners.

The program is a collaboration between:

• University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (Italy) – neurophysiology, genetics, and psychological characterization of wellbeing
• Munster Technological University (Ireland) – wearable sensors, cyber-physical systems, IoT architectures, and AI for integrated data analysis
• South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Finland) – environmental and behavioral interventions, studying nature, urban, and immersive environments on cognitive and emotional wellbeing

Educational Objectives

The program trains researchers to tackle wellbeing challenges with an interdisciplinary, systemic, and innovative approach.

Specific learning outcomes:

• Integrate knowledge in neurophysiology, biosensor technology, genetics, omics sciences, AI, immersive environments, and behavioral sciences
• Design and conduct innovative, longitudinal, and data-driven studies using wearable and environmental sensors
• Model dynamic interactions among genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and behavioral data to identify wellbeing determinants
• Develop predictive models and decision-making tools using machine learning and AI
• Detect early signals of vulnerability or imbalance through non-invasive biomarkers
• Implement personalized behavioral, environmental, and technological interventions to enhance emotional, cognitive, social, and relational wellbeing
• Promote translational research and technology transfer in collaboration with institutions, companies, healthcare systems, and communities
• Engage in an international, interdisciplinary learning environment, developing soft skills, scientific communication, and entrepreneurship.

Soft Skills

The program combines technical training with professional development to foster autonomy, critical thinking, and creativity. Students are encouraged to:

• Develop rigorous problem-solving skills, project management expertise, and grant-writing capabilities
• Strengthen communication skills to effectively disseminate research findings to scientific, clinical, and public audiences
• Cultivate leadership and collaborative abilities through interdisciplinary teamwork, international mobility, and engagement with public, private, and community stakeholders

Interdisciplinary Excellence

The PhD is grounded in the complementary expertise of its partner institutions within the INGENIUM Alliance. Supervision is inherently interdisciplinary, integrating life sciences, cognitive and behavioral sciences, environmental studies, bioengineering, and digital innovation.

• Doctoral candidates work across disciplinary boundaries, combining biological, technological, and social perspectives to address complex determinants of human wellbeing
• Access to advanced laboratories, wearable technologies, AI platforms, and immersive research settings supports a translational approach linking scientific discovery to practical applications
• This integrated environment fosters intellectual flexibility, methodological rigor, and the ability to design innovative solutions to contemporary societal challenges

Institutional and European Context

The PhD is accredited at the University of “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara and operates within national quality standards. It supports the University’s strategic priorities in research excellence, internationalization, and societal impact. As part of the INGENIUM Alliance, the program aligns with European research and innovation agendas, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, digital transformation, and sustainable wellbeing.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in:

• Academia and Research: Postdoctoral research, lab leadership, interdisciplinary projects, international collaboration
• Industry and Technology: Digital health solutions, wearable devices, AI platforms, IoT systems, startups, and technology transfer
• Healthcare: Personalized prevention, chronic disease management, health monitoring, and evidence-based policies
• Public Policy and International Organizations: Public wellbeing strategies, engagement with WHO or European initiatives, global health projects
• Education and Consulting: University teaching, professional training, advisory roles in technology and health data management

Why Choose This Program?

• Interdisciplinary and International: Collaboration across three European universities
• Hands-on Research: Access to state-of-the-art labs, wearable technology, AI tools, and immersive environments
• Translational Impact: Focus on real-world applications in healthcare, public policy, and industry
• Professional Growth: Development of soft skills, grant-writing, project management, and international networking
• Global Relevance: Training aligned with Agenda 2030, Horizon Europe, and the National Research Plan for sustainable wellbeing solutions