PhD in Science and Management of Climate Change

Research

General information about thesis
(by PhD Degrees Office)

Final exam and thesis

Please visit the PhD Degrees general website for information about the admission procedures and evaluation of the final exam, the rules concerning the format of the thesis and its final upload.

PhD thesis  

Catalogue

Visit the theses catalogue of the PhD programme in Science and management of climate change.

Theses catalogue  

Specific research themes of the PhD programme

Research areas

Most of the projects developed during the PhD are included in the research activities of three main bodies, Università Ca' Foscari, CMCC and OGS:

Ca' Foscari University

At the Department of Economics, the main study and research sectors include not only economics and finance, but also legal and social issues, as well as quantitative analysis and development of decision making tools. Research carried out here addresses the present complex global economic environment.
At the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistic, the research is oriented on the most challenging global issues (environment, ecology, sustainability, social development) with the aim of promoting an interdisciplinary approach. Main issues include on one side Climate Sciences, Paleoclimate, Biology, Renewable Energy Sources, Ecology, Environmental Processes, Earth Science, Maritime Studies, on the other side Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Digital Humanities, Data Management, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics.

CMCC

At the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change, permanent researchers work on a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary topics related to climate science research. CMCC collaborates with experienced scientists, economists, and technicians, which work together in order to provide full analyses of climate impacts on various systems such as agriculture, ecosystems, coasts, water resources, health, and economics. CMCC also supports policymakers in setting and assessing costs, mitigation, and adaptation policies.

OGS

At the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, researchers operate in the field of climate and environmental research, with operational skills, technology development, monitoring management, numerical modelling and data interpretation on regional and global scales, with focus on the Mediterranean Sea and the Polar areas. OGS activities contribute to researches on global changes related themes by promoting an interdisciplinary approach to the assessment of the current state of the environment, of the changes occurred in the past, and the identification of possible future scenarios, also considering the multifaceted impacts due to anthropogenic activities and natural forcing.

Other institutions

Other institutions, laboratories and research centers offer several research opportunities on a wide collection of topics, including internship opportunities required to obtain the MPhil title:

Groups

PhD Students are involved in several research groups, among which:

Period abroad

The period abroad is an important moment for the PhD student. It contributes to the knowledge and experience of the student, helping him/her to work closely with other research groups and people. It is fundamental to build up the professional network of the future researcher.

The second and the third years of the course are mainly devoted to a period of research and study in a foreign institution. This period lasts from minimum 6 up to 18 months and an increasing of 50% of the scholarship is granted for the entire period abroad. Destinations and reference researchers are planned in accordance with the PhD tutors, and prior to departure students must obtain the approval from the PhD Board. 
Once abroad, PhD students are expected to attend advanced classes, seminars and carry out useful research. A detailed written report on these activities must be submitted at the end of the research period and it will be part of the evidence on which admission to the third year is granted.

PhD students undertaking considerable research periods abroad may be awarded a Joint Research PhD.

Main foreign research period destinations

Austria

France

Germany

Nederland

Sweden

USA

Progress in research & PhD thesis defense agenda

The assessment of PhD students' progress in research will take place twice a year, mainly through papers submissions and public presentations.
Second and third year PhD students present their research work during a summer PhD Research Day
Fourth year PhD students are required to:

  • give a preliminary presentations of their thesis in the first semester

  • discuss a thesis pre-defence at the end of the second semester

All PhD thesis will be externally reviewed by international referees prior to final sumbission.