Percorso Dottorato

Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing – INGENIUM Doctoral Programme

The doctoral pathway progressively guides candidates from advanced interdisciplinary training to research autonomy, international integration, and societal impact. The programme duration may be three or four years, depending on funding, mobility, and possible double-degree arrangements.

The programme is aligned with Italian Ministerial Decree 226/2021 and ANVUR regulations, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF Level 8), and institutional regulations of UdA, MTU, and XAMK.

Registration and Institutional Affiliation

Candidates are registered at University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (UdA) and, for double-degree candidates, also at Munster Technological University (MTU). XAMK participates as a research and co-supervising partner.

Year 1 – Foundations, Structured Training, and Research Design

The Individual Training Agreement is signed by the candidate, supervisors, and Programme Coordinator. It defines general research objectives, mobility periods, training requirements, progress monitoring, and intellectual property. The detailed research project, including the experimental design and initiation of research activities, is defined and finalized during Year 1.

Doctoral courses are offered in Year 1 and Year 2, covering interdisciplinary scientific topics, methodological skills, and transversal skills such as research ethics, data management, and open science.

Candidates finalise the methodological framework, obtain ethics approvals if required, and initiate experimental or empirical work.

Year 2 – Intensive Research and Continued Training

Candidates focus on data collection and analysis, integration of interdisciplinary methods, and participate in regular supervisory meetings and progress reporting. Structured training courses continue in Year 2 to support research and skill development. Dissemination activities include presentation of preliminary results at international conferences and participation in INGENIUM schools and doctoral workshops.

Year 3 – Consolidation, Publications, and Thesis Preparation

Final data analysis is performed, interdisciplinary findings are integrated, and scientific publications are prepared and submitted.

The thesis is written in English and may take the form of a monograph or a collection of peer-reviewed articles, complying with UdA and MTU doctoral regulations.

Progress is assessed through an annual written report, an oral presentation, supervisor evaluation, and verification of training and mobility requirements.

Year 4 (if applicable) – Extended Research or Double-Degree Completion

This year applies in cases of extended experimental research, industrial or externally funded doctoral tracks, approved institutional extensions, or double-degree pathways requiring aligned completion.

Extension for thesis submission is granted for up to 12 months upon justified request and Doctoral Board approval, while short extensions of up to six months may be granted for documented reasons. Suspension of studies is allowed for maternity, paternity, prolonged illness, or other legally recognized reasons. Scholarship payments are suspended during the suspension period, and programme duration is extended accordingly.

Mobility

Mobility is flexible throughout the doctoral cycle to support research development, international networking, and integration into partner institutions. Periods abroad are highly recommended for at least six months. For double-degree candidates, a minimum of 12 months in-person at the partner institution (UdA or MTU) is mandatory. Additional mobility at XAMK or other INGENIUM partners is optional, with scholarship payments increased by 50% during approved periods abroad. Mobility supports integration into European and international research networks and, for eligible candidates, the INGENIUM certification.

Industrial or enterprise placements of three to six months may also be included to foster interaction with stakeholders, technology transfer, and clinical innovation.

Research Funds and Resources

All doctoral candidates, with or without a scholarship, are provided with a research budget in the second and third years, usable for conferences, workshops, consumables, specialist training, and experimental participation reimbursements.

The Doctoral Programme Operating Fund, managed by the Programme Vice-Coordinator, covers hardware and software for high-performance computing, office and lab maintenance, and programme activities including seminars and Third Mission initiatives.

Final Examination and Degree Award

The Examination Committee includes at least two external members and internal representatives from UdA and MTU, with a non-voting Chair. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of results and the ability to disseminate findings internationally.

For a single UdA degree, candidates complete all UdA requirements and defend the thesis according to UdA regulations. For a double-degree UdA–MTU, candidates must meet the requirements of both institutions, including mandatory mobility, and defend the thesis in accordance with both doctoral frameworks.

UdA awards the Doctorate in Innovative Strategies for Well-being, while MTU awards the Doctor of Philosophy for double-degree candidates. XAMK participates as a research partner but does not confer a degree.

Alignment with European Approach

The programme ensures joint supervision across institutions, structured and recognised mobility, transparent recognition of training activities, shared quality assurance procedures, and the option of a double-degree award with equivalent academic standards.