The PhD Program in Agri-Food and Environmental Biosciences and Biotechnologies serves is a multidisciplinary center of excellence dedicated to the advanced study of biological systems and their complex interactions. Its aim is to address some of the major challenges facing society today, including the ecological transition, biodiversity conservation, food security, and the sustainability of primary production systems.
The program combines cutting-edge approaches and technologies, including "omics" technologies, advanced bioinformatics, and complex systems modeling, with specialized expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including agricultural genetics, botany, microbiology, entomology, plant pathology, food science and technology, and animal sciences. The PhD program also has a strong international outlook and benefits from an established network of collaborations with companies of national and international relevance fostering close links between scientific research, innovation, and industry.
The program is structured into two distinct curricula, each focusing on specific thematic areas and research lines. This structure provides advanced, specialised training aligned with the programme’s diverse scientific expertise and research objectives:
Curriculum in Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity This curriculum focuses on the study of fundamental biological processes, the interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms, and the basic mechanisms underlying the conservation of functional biodiversity. By integrating disciplines such as botany, plant pathology, entomology, and applied genetics the program aims to assess ecosystem health, investigate the mechanisms of adaptation to environmental changes, and develop innovative and sustainable strategies for the protection and management of biological resources.
Curriculum in Food and Animal Sciences and Technologies This curriculum focuses on the study and integrated management of food supply chains and animal production systems, with particular emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and safety. The program explores food processing technologies, the application of emerging biotechnologies, and the valorization of by-products from a circular economy perspective. At the same time, it promotes the development of specialised expertise in animal sciences focusing on sustainable livestock farming, animal welfare, nutritional management, and genetic improvement with the aim of fostering efficient, responsible and high-quality production systems.