Fully Funded PhD Programme at Human Technopole – Open University, Italy | Apply Now

Pursue interdisciplinary research in Milan while working towards a UK doctoral degree. The Fully Funded PhD Programme at Human Technopole offers four-year positions with an employment contract in Italy and tuition fees covered. Open to candidates of any nationality, the programme combines advanced research infrastructure with structured training and supervision.

  • Position: HT PhD Programme – Open University
  • Call: 2026 Fall Call
  • Research Institution: Human Technopole
  • Location: Milan, Italy
  • Degree Awarding Institution: The Open University, United Kingdom
  • Duration: Four years
  • Commitment: Full-time only
  • Funding: Fully funded position with an Italian employment contract; tuition fees covered by HT
  • Nationality: Open to all nationalities
  • Application Window: 27 October–30 November 2026
  • Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
  • Project Preferences: Select up to three HT projects

About Human Technopole and The Open University

Human Technopole is an interdisciplinary life sciences institute in Milan, equipped with advanced technologies and research infrastructure. Also, its international community brings together researchers working across experimental, computational and quantitative disciplines.

HT is an Affiliated Research Centre of The Open University, one of Europe’s largest universities, with approximately 200,000 students. In addition, Research takes place at Human Technopole, while the PhD degree is awarded by The Open University.

Fully Funded PhD Programme: Training and Research

Students join a structured doctoral programme that includes:

  • Induction and scientific courses.
  • Transferable-skills workshops.
  • Also, regular progress reviews and supervisory feedback.
  • Seminars, conferences and networking.
  • In addition, professional development for careers within and beyond academia.

The programme provides access to internationally recognised supervisors and an interdisciplinary research environment.

Salary and Benefits

Selected candidates receive a four-year fully funded PhD position with an employment contract in Italy. Moreover, Human Technopole covers tuition fees.

The programme is available on a full-time basis only. Furthermore, a salary figure is not stated in the call details.

Educational Requirements and Eligibility For Fully Funded PhD Programme

Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain before enrolment:

  • A bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1); or
  • In addition, a master’s degree or equivalent.

Bachelor’s degree holders must confirm that their qualification grants access to a PhD in the country where it was awarded, as required for the Italian work visa.

Candidates should demonstrate excellent academic achievement and research potential.

Encouraged Academic Backgrounds

The programme welcomes applicants from fields including:

  • Life Sciences: Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Immunology, Systems Biology, Structural Biology and Medicine.
  • Computational and Data Sciences: Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Scientific Computing, and Software, Biomedical or Computer Engineering.
  • Mathematics and Physical Sciences: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Applied Physics and Mathematical Engineering.

Applicants from other disciplines can explain their suitability in the cover letter.

English Language Requirements

Candidates must meet The Open University’s English requirements. Also, an example accepted standard is:

  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no component below 6.0.
  • Moreover, certificate no older than two years.
  • Furthermore, evidence provided approximately one month before enrolment.

Selection Process

Selection takes place in four stages:

  1. Eligibility check: The HT PhD Office reviews applications against programme requirements.
  2. Research screening: HT Research Group Leaders assess academic excellence, research experience, references, motivation and research interests.
  3. On-site interview week in Milan: Candidates present previous research, discuss a scientific paper with a panel, attend individual interviews and meet laboratory members and PhD students. In addition, flights and accommodation are provided.
  4. Final matching and offer: Following Open University approval, decisions consider interview performance, supervisor rankings and candidate preferences.

How to Apply

Apply through the HT online application portal by 30 November 2026. Registration is required, and applications by email are not accepted.

Upload:

  • CV.
  • Degree certificate(s).
  • Academic transcripts, translated into English or Italian where needed.
  • Cover letter.

You must also:

  • Select up to three HT projects.
  • Additionally, provide details of two referees, who must send their reference letters to the PhD Office by the call deadline.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Moreover, applicants receive an automatic acknowledgement email after submission.

For candidates seeking interdisciplinary research training, this Fully Funded PhD Programme offers the opportunity to join Human Technopole’s scientific community in Milan, earn a UK doctorate and develop skills for a range of research careers.

APPLY ONLINE HERE