Program Overview

Quantum Technology and Nanoscience PhD Program

The PhD program in Quantum Technology and Nanoscience 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, with the goal of nurturing future leaders in the rapidly expanding quantum industry and research.

Program Overview

The program is tailored to provide a comprehensive education in quantum technology and nanoscience, covering foundational theoretical aspects of quantum information science to materials, devices, and nanoscale biophysical studies. The working language of the program is English, and it is open to graduates in physics, engineering, biology, materials science, chemistry, and related fields who are deeply motivated towards research and innovation.

Research Areas

The program encompasses a wide range of research areas, including:

• Quantum information science
• Nanoscience
• Biophysics
• Materials science
• Quantum engineering

Curriculum

The educational framework includes lectures and seminar courses, all conducted in English. Students will collaboratively design a yearly study plan with the PhD Coordinator, which outlines the intended research and educational activities for the academic year. Courses are carefully chosen to broaden the students' foundation and delve into specific aspects related to their PhD thesis project.

Program Structure

The program is structured as follows:

• By the end of the first year, students select a thesis supervisor and project in consultation with the PhD Coordinator and approval from the Faculty Board.
• At the conclusion of the second and third years, PhD candidates must present their research progress and accomplishments through an oral defense conducted before a panel of experts chosen by the Faculty Board.
• Successful performance ensures progression to the subsequent year of the program.
• Students are urged to embark on study and research stints at both Italian and international institutions, with a strong emphasis on facilitating joint PhD degrees and fostering inter-university supervisions.

Courses

The program includes a variety of courses, such as:

Fundamentals of Biophysics at the Nanoscale

Introduction to Nanomedicine

Introductory Quantum Physics

Methods for Quantum Technologies: Theory and Applications

Physical and Mathematical Fundamentals for Biophysics

Quantum Information Theory

Quantum Technologies

Seminar in Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Science

Technology Transfer in Nanotechnologies: IP Protection, Spin-offs

Faculty and Students

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Fabio Beltram, SNS
• Giuseppe Brancato, SNS
• Francesco Cardarelli, SNS
• Camilla Coletti
• Vittorio Giovannetti, SNS
• Giuseppe La Rocca, SNS
• Ludovico Lami, SNS
• Stefano Luin, SNS
• Carlo Sirtori

Current students in the program include:

• Srimaya Sekhar Padhi
• Nicole Pisani
• Salvatore Raia
• Giulio Senesi
• Muhammad Abubakar
• Asma Ayub
• Hans Peter Bloch
• Sehrish Niaz
• Aurora Patrizi
• Erika Poggianti
• Gaetano Sammartino
• Vito Vetrano
• Gabriele Guerra
• Matteo Pioldi

Funding and Support

The program entails no tuition fees and offers four-year fellowships, complemented by dedicated research and travel funds for every student. Most students will 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 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.