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Introduction to the PhD Program in Quantum Technology and Nanoscience

The PhD program in Quantum Technology and Nanoscience at the Scuola Normale Superiore offers advanced graduate training at the forefront of the technological and scientific revolution driven by quantum mechanics. This program is designed to empower students with the skills to innovate and construct cutting-edge quantum systems, nurturing future leaders in the rapidly expanding quantum industry and research.

Research Activity

The program focuses on the application of nanoscience-driven methodologies spanning both condensed and biological matter domains. Research areas include the investigation of structural and functional organization in living matter down to single-molecule, single-event resolution, exploiting novel microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The working language of the program is English, fostering effective communication and collaboration among the diverse academic community.

PhD Coordinator and Teaching Board

The PhD Coordinator is Fabio Beltram, and the teaching board consists of professors and researchers from the Scuola Normale Superiore, as well as from foreign universities, including Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and École Normale Supérieure. Non-academic members from Italian or foreign institutions, such as the Center for Nanotechnology Innovation and Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, also participate in the program.

Teaching Activity

The educational framework encompasses lectures and seminar courses, all conducted in English. Students collaboratively design a yearly study plan with the PhD Coordinator, which outlines the intended research and educational activities for the academic year. Courses are chosen to broaden the students' foundation and delve into specific aspects related to their PhD thesis project. By the end of the first year, students select a thesis supervisor and project, and subsequently present their research progress and accomplishments at the end of the second and third years.

PhD Scholarships

The program offers PhD scholarships, including those funded by the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan). These scholarships are awarded to students who are deeply motivated towards research and innovation, and who have a strong academic background in physics, engineering, biology, materials science, chemistry, or related fields.

Research Environment

Most students conduct their research within the National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology (NEST), benefiting from the expertise of SNS's research and teaching staff, as well as from the resources provided by the scientists and facilities of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche housed within NEST. Biophysics investigations benefit from the collaboration with Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza.

International Collaborations

The program emphasizes close collaborations and frequent exchanges with partner laboratories in the EELISA network, including Ecole Normale Supérieure and its Master's degree in Quantum Engineering, Zurich University of Applied Science, and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. This integration into the student curriculum provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in international research collaborations and to develop a global perspective on quantum technology and nanoscience.

Admission and Funding

The program entails no tuition fees and offers four-year fellowships, complemented by dedicated research and travel funds for every student. Graduates in physics, engineering, biology, materials science, chemistry, and related fields are encouraged to apply for this program. Similar to all SNS PhDs, this program provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for students to pursue their research interests and to develop their skills as future leaders in the quantum industry and research.