Program Overview

Program Overview

The International PhD Course in Arterial Hypertension and Vascular Biology (ARHYVAB) is a research-based program that aims to train highly qualified professionals in the field of hypertension and vascular biology. The program is offered jointly by several universities and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, cellular mechanisms, molecular, and genetic basis of arterial hypertension and its complications.

Program Objectives

The program has two main objectives:

• To train Clinician Researchers (Clinician-scientists) with skills to plan, organize, and conduct clinical trials on hypertension and disseminate their results through conferences and publications.
• To train Experimental Researchers who can find a place in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, in Italy and abroad, in the field of researchers on pathophysiology, cellular mechanisms, molecular, and genetic basis of arterial hypertension and its complications.

Program Structure

The program is a 3-year multidisciplinary training that provides students with skills to plan, conduct, and analyze research in clinical and experimental levels in the field of hypertension and vascular biology. The program is integrated into the research of the Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, which has a long tradition of excellence in the field of hypertension research.

Admission Criteria

The program has the following admission criteria:

• The program is open to students who have a strong background in the field of hypertension and vascular biology.
• The program has a limited number of positions available, with 2 positions available for the 2025/2026 academic year.
• The program offers 2 grant numbers and 1 scholarship financed by a consortium.

Exam and Assessment

The program has an oral exam that consists of a discussion of the research project and the verification of the student's language skills. The exam is held on a specific date and time, and students are required to participate in the research of internationally known groups in the field of vascular biology and hypertension.

Department and Coordinator

The program is offered by the Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, and the coordinator of the program is Teresa Maria Seccia.

Research Areas

The program focuses on the following research areas:

• Pathophysiology of arterial hypertension
• Cellular mechanisms of arterial hypertension
• Molecular and genetic basis of arterial hypertension
• Complications of arterial hypertension, including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.

Educational Goals

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the major cardiovascular risk factor in industrialized countries, which is arterial hypertension. The program also aims to provide students with the skills to plan, conduct, and analyze research in clinical and experimental levels in the field of hypertension and vascular biology. The program's educational goals are to train highly qualified professionals who can make a significant contribution to the field of hypertension and vascular biology.