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IMT Ph.D. Program “Institutions, Markets and Technologies”

Application Call 2014/2015

Deadline: July 14th, 2014 at 18:00 (Italian time)

IMT’s international PhD program – “Institutions, Markets and Technologies” – is truly unique. The program, which lasts three years and includes a research period abroad, and is governed by a single collegial body

(made up primarily of tenured professors at the Institute).

Based on the strong interdisciplinary nature of the Institute – which integrates competences in economics,

engineering, computer science, physics, history and cultural heritage - IMT’s doctoral program offers advanced training for the analysis and management of a variety of technological and societal systems. More

specifically, the program encompasses the four scientific macro-areas present at IMT: Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Economics and Management, and is articulated in 8 field-specific, yet complementary,

curricula.

Every curriculum is affiliated with one or more macro-areas and is linked with one of the Institute’s Research

units. The structure of the program therefore perfectly reflects IMT’s multidisciplinary organization model, which places the integration of research and education at the fulcrum of its mission.

Curricula Descriptions

Computer Science

(CS)

The curriculum in Computer Science focuses on key aspects of current research in the

theory and applications of informatics, such as open-endedness, autonomy, security, concurrency, cost-effectiveness, quality of services, and dependability. The main goal

is to develop models, algorithms, and verification methods for modern distributed

systems. The doctoral students enrolled in this curriculum will carry out cutting-edge research on the fundamentals and applications of architectures and languages for

modern distributed systems, including global and cloud computing systems, web systems and services, and mobile systems. They will also acquire professional skills in

the application of computer technologies to massively distributed systems.

Control Systems

(Sys)

The curriculum in Control Systems is oriented towards model-based control of dynamical systems and decision-making algorithms, including embedded optimization

algorithms for control and management of stochastic, networked, and large-scale dynamical systems. Motivated by the pervasive nature of data information systems

and by the availability of powerful (and possibly distributed) computational resources,

the main goal is to devise complex decision-making strategies that make systems react with a certain degree of autonomy and in an intelligent way to changes in their

operating environment. Research skills in model-based control and optimization of dynamical systems taught enable students to conceive novel theories and algorithms.

Students also learn professional skills for designing, simulating, and deploying control

systems in a variety of application areas, such as smart grids and energy markets, finance, automotive and aerospace systems, water network management, industrial

processes, and many others.

Image Analysis

(IA)

The curriculum in Image Analysis focuses on the analysis of large-scale multimodal imaging data arising in the natural and life sciences. Motivated by the explosion in

such imaging data, the goal is to develop high-throughput and high-precision strategies to analyze intelligently these vast data sets to prove expert-driven

hypothesis but also unearth unseen patterns. Such vast datasets arise from studying various organs (e.g., the heart) and organisms (humans, other model organisms such

small or large animals, and plants), with multiple modalities (MRI, PET, and optical at

various scales), which span multiple dimensions (e.g., 2D, 3D, multispectral), and are dynamic and repeated. This scenario is particularly prevalent now, where this type of

analysis is needed to speed up imaging studies that accompany genotype-driven experiments. Research is focused on combining (and devising new) machine learning

and data mining algorithms with innovative feature extraction, sparse data

representation, and scientific visualization, to achieve the above goals. Students learn a variety of image analysis and machine learning methods and develop new image

processing and analysis algorithms that are tailored towards taking advantage of cloud

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infrastructures. The skills of handling large amounts of data and processing them in a

distributed fashion are particularly sought-after in the job market due to the recent interest in 'big data'.

Computational

Mechanics

(CM)

The curriculum in Computational Mechanics focuses on the development of innovative computational methods to study events governed by the principles of mechanics. As a

fundamental part of computational science and engineering, concerned with the use of numerical approaches to characterize, predict and simulate physical events and

engineering systems, the present curriculum is oriented towards modelling the

behavior of complex heterogeneous materials and structures. Strongly motivated by industrial applications and by the recent advances in physics and materials science,

special attention is given to the analysis of engineering problems characterized by multiple length scales and multiple fields (coupled problems). The doctoral students

enrolled in this curriculum will acquire multidisciplinary skills in fracture and contact mechanics, computational methods, computer programming, optimization theories and

complex networks. International cooperation with renowned universities are exploited.

Complex Networks

(CN)

The theory of Complex Networks introduces a novel way to look at several natural and technological phenomena. In this curriculum we use this framework derived from the

mathematics of Graph Theory, the database analysis of Computer Science and the

modelling skills of Statistical Phyisics to describe some specific Natural Phenomena. The activities done are on:

− Analysis of Communities in Brain Networks

− Reconstruction of Network of correlation from Time Series Analysis

− Use of Bipartite Networks spectral properties for the clustering of patients with

similar diseases

− Definition of Chemical Networks

− Study of the Root-Apices interaction in plants

− Study of Channel Networks in plants

Management Science

(MS)

The curriculum in Management Science is oriented towards managerial decision

making in complex organizations based on a quantitative approach to finance,

marketing, information systems, operations, organizational behavior, innovation and industrial dynamics. The participants are expected to acquire a solid grasp of

underlying principles of information theory, decision sciences, statistics and numerical methods, along with their organizational and economic implications. Students and

faculty address research questions raised by the emerging digital economy, the

transformation of organizations and markets, and opportunities for new business models. MS is inherently multi-disciplinary. Study in this area utilizes faculty with

backgrounds in economics, management science, computer science, decision sciences and complex system analysis. Theoretical methodologies and models are tested

through the methodical/systematic investigation of real world case studies.

Economics

(Econ)

The curriculum in Economics provides participants with a solid knowledge base in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and management, as well as in some

more specific fields, such as political economy and the analysis of complex systems. Students and faculty address a wide range of research questions in the areas of

macroeconomics, political economy, economics of innovation and industrial economics.

With its interdisciplinary approach, the curriculum deals with issues in political economy, applied public economics, the functioning of industries and markets and the

impact of macroeconomic factors on the functioning of markets, as well as on productivity and growth. The character of the curriculum is distinctive in its

deployment of a strong integration of theoretical, technical and practical expertise, to educate highly qualified professionals who analyze, plan, and manage concrete

applications of political economy. Theoretical methodologies and models are tested

through the methodical/systematic investigation of real world case studies. The curriculum is designed to prepare candidates for leading positions in the academy and

international organizations, as well as in research and consulting centers.

Analysis and Management

of Cultural

The curriculum in Analysis and Management of Cultural Heritage proposes courses in Management of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Institutions, European and International

Legislation on Cultural Heritage and Landscape, Art History, Museology, Technologies

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Heritage

(AMCH)

applied to the valorization of Cultural Heritage. Both research oriented and practice

oriented courses constitute the program, which aims at educating qualified professionals operating in the concrete field of cultural management and academics.

It promotes research offering the students a lively contact with different research approaches and methodologies, through case studies belonging to research fields

such as Art History, Classical Archaeology and Museology.

Duration: 3 years

Language: Courses and seminars are held in English.

Classes start in November 2014.

Scholarships and Facilities

• 32 Ph.D. positions are covered by scholarships in the gross amount of 13,638.47€ /year. Some

scholarships could be financed by the CNR.

• 4 additional positions without scholarships may also be offered.

• All Ph.D. students will have tuition fees waived (Regional Tax excluded).

• Ph.D. students who are granted a scholarship have free accommodation in shared double rooms in

the School residence halls (with the exception of students whose permanent residence is within

30km of IMT).

• All Ph.D. students will have free access to the canteen services.

• All Ph.D. students are covered by insurance against any accident and/or injury that may occur while

carrying out their Ph.D. activities.

The number of places with scholarship may be increased as a result of funding provided by public or private organizations made available after the publication of the notice and within the deadline for submission of

requests to participate. Of such cases is given notice by advertising on the website of IMT.

All Ph.D. positions may be covered by an apprenticeship contract. This is a type of work contract specifically

created for youth, in which the company provides both remuneration and professional training for the young

worker while benefiting from tax reductions in exchange. It is a type of contract therefore that is particularly

suited for growing companies looking to invest in young workers to progressively grow within the enterprise.

For more information, please visit the IMT PhD/Prospective Students page

1- REQUIREMENTS

Applications are open to candidates who meet the below requirements without regard to nationality, age, gender or religion.

• Knowledge of English is compulsory.

• The candidate must have completed and obtained a degree equivalent to at least 4 years of

university studies.

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Italian Degree Foreign Degree Graduating Applicants

-"Laurea Magistrale" (or

"Specialistica"), according to DM n° 509, of November 3, 1999

- Four- or five-year degree

according to the previous rules of

the Italian higher education system

Foreign degrees are considered and their eligibility is assessed by

the Selection Committee.

For admission, the minimum

duration of university studies is equivalent to 4 years (full time).

If admitted, foreign degree holders

are required to hand in a

"Dichiarazione di valore". This document is not required to apply

(see documents for enrollment below).

Applicants obtaining their degree

by no later than October 31st, 2014 may apply (Italian or foreign

degree according to the previous descriptions).

They must hand in the copy of

their degree certificate by the date

of enrollment. However, we recommend to

anticipate the document by email phdapplications@imtlucca.it or

imtlucca@postecert.it or via fax

+39 0583 4326 565

2- APPLICATION

Applicants must fill out the online application form and attach the required documents by July 14th, 2014 at 6:00 pm (Italian time), on pain of exclusion from the competition.

Applications submitted by means other than the online procedure will not be accepted, unless explicitly permitted by IMT following a well-motivated request concerning technical impediments.

All Candidates are invited to read carefully the Application guidelines, available on IMT website inside the

application procedure section. This document provides guidance on filling out the different sections of the

application form.

In order to apply, applicants must first submit their personal data: Applicants will then receive a confirmation e-mail containing a password and basic instructions for the submission procedure.

Application Procedure

The first time applicants access their account, they will be requested to choose the Curriculum(s) to which

they wish to apply.

While not mandatory, information and attachments marked Optional are most welcome, as they enable the

Admissions Committee to evaluate candidates comprehensively.

Data and documents entered into the application form are the sole responsibility of the applicant. In the event of false declaration(s), the applicant will not be allowed to enroll in the Ph.D. Program at IMT.

In order to submit the application form, applicants must insert all the mandatory data and attachments as listed below.

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1. INFORMATION

The curriculum(s) to which

the applicant is applying

Compulsory It is possible to apply for more than one Curriculum.

For those applying to more than one Curriculum, basic personal information will remain the same in

all individual applications. The Education information can be changed from application to application.

Applicants will be free to switch from one application

to another as they wish, but are not allowed to register more than once with different e-mail

addresses and/or different names or to submit more than one application to the same Curriculum

otherwise only the last one will be considered valid.

The selection committee reserves the right to

propose that the applicant be considered, interviewed for or admitted to another curriculum it

deems appropriate in addition to or instead of that to which the candidate has applied.

Personal Data Compulsory

English language level Compulsory Applicants must indicate their level of English

Education Compulsory Applicants must have completed and obtained a degree equivalent to at least 4 years of university

studies. Applicants must indicate the average exams mark and final vote (if any) for each obtained

degree.

Reference Letter Compulsory Applicants have to provide the names and contact information (e-mail and telephone number) of two

referees. The first referee must agree to submit a reference letter in English in respect of the applicant

through our online application system, by July 22nd

2014.

IMT does not notify applicants in the event that

referees fail to provide a reference. Applicants will be able to verify the status of the references on the

“Summary” page, but are not granted access to any references provided.

Additional information Compulsory Applicants must indicate how they found out about

IMT

Interview Compulsory Applicants have to indicate the mode by which they

wish to be interviewed

Apprenticeships Compulsory Applicants have to indicate if they are interested in

the Higher education and research apprenticeship.

More information on: http://imtlucca.it/phd/phd_apprenticeships.php

Additional qualification(s) Optional

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Publications Optional Applicants can indicate published articles, books or

any material that can be considered relevant for Ph.D. and research activity.

Disability – assistance for the

exam-

Optional Applicants can indicate if they need assistance to

participate in the selection procedure.

ATTACHMENTS

The selection committee will accept attachments in Italian or English language only (except the Research Statement described below).

• Please note that you have to upload the document in PDF or other non-modifiable standard format (i.e.: JPEG, JPG, GIF).

• The maximum size is 3MB for each single attachment.

• If your file is too big, you can upload it as a ZIP file as long as it is in PDF (or other non-modifiable

format).

ATTACHMENTS

1. Copy of National Identity Card or

Passport

Compulsory

For Italians and EU Citizens: National Identity card or passport

Extra-EU applicants: National Identity card or Passport (highly recommended).

The copy has to be signed by the candidate, indicating the date

and place of signature. In case that your document is not

written in English or Italian, please upload also a translation into English or Italian (Please note that you can translate the

document yourself- there is no need for an official/legal translation).

In particular the pages containing the applicant’s photograph, personal data, document number, place and date of issue. If

some of this information is missing, the document will not be accepted.

In the event that copies of documents are illegible, the Selection Committee may request to see the original prior to the date of

the entrance interview.

2. Curriculum vitae et studiorum

Compulsory Compulsory (English highly recommended)

3. Education

(see table 1, below)

Compulsory Degree Certificates (Bachelor / Master):

• for applicants with a degree: a self-declaration or a

certificate declaring the possession of a degree,

conferral date, issuing University and final grade;

• for applicants who expect to complete their

degree by the 31st of October 2014: certificate or

self-declaration indicating examinations taken and grades obtained. Please note that it is compulsory to

hand in the degree certificate by the date of enrolment.

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Candidates can anticipate the document by email

phdapplications@imtlucca.it or imtlucca@postecert.it or via fax +39 0583 4326 565.

The certificate is required to enable the Selection Committee to

declare equivalence for the sole purpose of admission to this

Call. If the certificate is not in Italian or in English, the applicant should also submit a translation into English or Italian.

4. Research Statement

Compulsory Research Statement (maximum 10,000 characters) highlighting the applicant’s ability to formulate an original and coherent

research proposal and his or her major research interests as specified below for each curriculum.

For AMCH: A research proposal. The proposal is not binding and is used largely for the purposes of evaluating the

application. Once admitted, the candidate will define a research

topic in agreement with his or her Advisor.

For all other Curricula: A cover letter describing the applicant’s scientific or academic expertise and experience in

relevant methods and areas of study, research interests, future

plans and reasons for wishing to pursue Ph.D. study at IMT.

5. Academic transcript/Diploma

Supplement

Compulsory For each degree, the applicant has to attach at least one of the documents listed below.

Academic transcript: an official document detailing your course, classes taken or subjects studied and results, completion

date, graduation date.

Diploma Supplement: a detailed transcript of student

attainment that is appended to the certificate of attainment of the qualification.

6. Dichiarazione di valore

Optional Dichiarazione di valore: translation and legal certification by a qualified Italian diplomatic or consular representative in the

country where the degree/qualification has been issued, reporting the list of all the exams taken and the grades received

by the applicant, according to the relevant legislation. In case of admission this document will be requested prior to

registration.

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EDUCATION: TABLE 1

In the table below you can find some indications about the exact document allowed to attach in the

Education section according to your degrees.

Citizenship

Phase Italian EU (non Italian)

EXTRA EU

Legally residing

in Italy NOT legally residing in Italy

Degree

Italian Application

Self declaration

declaring the possession of a

degree, conferral date, issuing

University and, final grade(*)

Self declaration

declaring the possession of a

degree, conferral date,

issuing University and,

final grade(*)

Self declaration

declaring the possession of a

degree, conferral date, issuing

University and, final grade(*)

Certificate declaring

the possession of a degree, conferral date,

issuing University and, final grade

Enrollment - - - -

EU

(non Italian)

Application

Self declaration

declaring the possession of a

degree, conferral

date, issuing University and,

final grade(*)

Self declaration

declaring the possession of a

degree,

conferral date, issuing

University and, final grade(*)

Certificate

declaring the possession of a

degree, conferral

date, issuing University and,

final grade

Certificate declaring

the possession of a degree, conferral date,

issuing University and,

final grade

Enrollment Dichiarazione di

valore (**)

Dichiarazione di

valore (**)

Dichiarazione di

valore (**)

Dichiarazione di valore

(**)

EXTRA EU

Application

Certificate declaring the

possession of a degree, conferral

date, issuing

University and, final grade

Certificate declaring the

possession of a degree,

conferral date,

issuing University and,

final grade

Certificate declaring the

possession of a degree, conferral

date, issuing

University and, final grade

Certificate declaring the possession of a

degree, conferral date, issuing University and,

final grade

Enrollment Dichiarazione di valore (**)

Dichiarazione di valore (**)

Dichiarazione di valore (**)

Dichiarazione di valore (**)

(*) according to the Presidential Decree art.3, 46 n 445 of 28.12.2000

(**) see details in the Enrolment Section

If the application lacks an information or an attachment referred to as "compulsory", applicants can be

conditionally admitted to the selection procedure and their application will be considered valid only if they produce the required documents within the day scheduled for the exam.

Information and attachments referred to as "optional" are useful to the Selection Committee.

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SUBMISSION

Prior to final submission, applicants will have the possibility to modify and save the inserted information whenever they wish.

We strongly recommend applicants review the inserted information and uploaded attachments before submitting the application. No changes are allowed to submitted data. Erroneous data and/or

attachments will be evaluated as they are submitted.

Please note that applicants are responsible for ensuring that their completed application arrives on time.

We strongly suggest that applicants submit their application well in advance of the deadline in order to avoid

last-minute congestion in the online application procedure.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applicants are evaluated by the selection committee of the program in which they intend to register on the

basis of their prior performance and professional promise, as evidenced by their academic record and any other pertinent data they submit. While high academic achievement does not guarantee admission, IMT

expects such achievement or other persuasive evidence of professional promise.

Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their academic background, skills and scientific value with

reference to the subjects of the interdisciplinary program, and their general aptitudes to research. The selection committee will also assess the relevance of any publications, the suitability of the research project

or motivation letter and any additional special qualifications, educational activities and/or participation in

research groups or projects.

The selection committee reserves the right to propose that the applicant be considered, interviewed for or admitted to another curriculum it deems appropriate in addition to or instead of that to which the candidate

has applied.

The selection procedure will be carried out in two phases:

1. Assessment of all the applications admitted through the online procedure: The short-list of candidates admitted to the interview will be published on the web site and on the Online Notice Board

of IMT.

2. Interview: Once short-listed, applicants will be required to participate in a comprehensive interview

in English in order to assess their aptitude for research in the curricula for which they have applied, as well as their English proficiency. The dates interviews will be published on the web site and on the

Online Notice Board of IMT.

Candidates admitted to the interview must confirm their participation by email to

phdapplications@imtlucca.it within 48 hours of publication of the shortlist.

According to the mode by which the Candidates wish to be interviewed, the interviews could be conducted as follows:

• At IMT headquarters in Lucca

• Via videoconference or through any other procedure allowing visual contact with the candidates and

viewing of their identity document (candidates must show identification before the interview begins).

• At an Italian Embassy/Consulate. In this case, the candidate must provide IMT with the contact

details of the relevant Italian Embassy/Consulate. Before the interview, the Embassy/consulate staff

will proceed with an identification verification of the candidate.

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ADMISSION

General ranking list and evaluation results will be published on the School’s Online Notice Board and on this

webpage.

The list will indicate the names of the applicants who have been admitted to the Ph.D. Program.

In the event that the number of suitable candidates exceeds the number of scholarships available, a limited

number of places in the program may be offered without scholarship.

Candidates who apply for more than one Curriculum are eligible to be admitted to the ranking of one Curriculum only. Moreover, the Selection Committee could consider a candidate suitable for a different

Curriculum selected by the candidate. In this case, the candidate will be admitted for the curriculum decided by the Selection Committee.

In the event of forfeiture or exclusion of a candidate within 45 days from the date of beginning of the program, he or she shall be replaced by the next suitable candidate according to the ranking.

ENROLLMENT

Once admitted to the Ph.D. program, candidates who wish to enroll must download the enrollment form from IMT website, fill it in, and submit it in person or by post to IMT (Piazza San Ponziano 6 – 55100 Lucca

– Italy) within 10 days from the notification of the results on the School’s Online Notice Board and on this

website.

All documents required for the enrolment have to be enclosed; otherwise, the request will be rejected.

Admitted applicants who do not send the enrollment form within the deadline will automatically forfeit their

place in the program.

Please note that enrollment is effective ONLY starting from your arrival at IMT (no later than the first day of official classes). Unauthorized absences may nullify the enrollment procedure.

In the event that any of the documents downloaded during the application procedure do not correspond those submitted during enrollment due to deliberate false declaration, the applicant will automatically forfeit

their place in the program.

Dichiarazione di Valore

Prior to registration, admitted candidates with foreign degree will have to send the “Dichiarazione di valore”

or a document that certifies that the procedure for obtaining such document has been initiated. The "Dichiarazione di Valore" is a translation and legal certification issued according to the relevant legislation by

a qualified Italian diplomatic or consular representative in the country where the degree/qualification has

been issued, listing all the exams taken and the grades received by the applicant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that it may take quite some time to obtain the “Dichiarazione di Valore”; as such, we suggest contacting the Italian diplomatic representative in the country

where the degree has been issued as soon as possible in the application process.

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Additional Documentation and Entry Visa

All information concerning foreign degrees and entry visas is available on the dedicated Facilities page.

IMT offers assistance concerning entry visa procedures. Additional information is provided on the website of

the Italian Embassies and Consulates.

SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarships are awarded in order of merit. In cases of equal merit, preference will be given based on

the assessment of candidate’s economic situation, as determined pursuant to the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 9 April 2001.

Scholarships for the Ph.D. program are subject to the payment of INPS social security contributions managed separately pursuant to Article 2, paragraph 26 of Law n. 335 of 8 August 1995, as amended, with

two-thirds paid by the Administration and one third by the scholarship recipient.

The amount of the scholarship cannot be less than that determined in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 1, letter a) of Law n. 315 3 August 1998 and subsequent amendments and additions. Holders of

scholarships are exempt from payment of fees for admission to and attendance of the program.

The scholarship has a maximum duration of three years and is subject to annual confirmation, after

verification, in accordance with Article 14 of these Regulations, that the student has completed the program

of activities for the previous year.

Installments the scholarship shall be disbursed at the end of the relevant period on a monthly basis, except

as provided in paragraph 13 of the PhD Regulations.

Scholarship holders may renounce their scholarship at any time without withdrawing from the program. In

this case, the Scientific Board may decide to award the scholarship to the first eligible student.Students who withdraw or are expelled from the program within the first 45 days of the start of the program or from

registration are not entitled to the scholarship.

If a student is registered conditionally for reasons related to the timing of the release of the Dichiarazione di Valore by the diplomatic or consular representation, the disbursement of the scholarship is suspended as a precautionary measure. Upon the resolution of the conditional registration, all installments due to the

student shall be paid.

For further information, please contact:

phdapplications@imtlucca.it

t+39 0583 4326745