The thematic area of this doctorate course is related to the endocrine and metabolic fields covering both basic as well as translational research. Basic research studies are focused to the knowledge of the molecular and cellular pathways that underlie the function and alterations of endocrine organs with particular emphasis to the oncologic field. Translational research involves clinical studies aimed to translate basic research findings at the bed side. In this view, the program is interdisciplinary, providing graduates with a solid background in cellular, molecular, and medical endocrinology. As such, the program aims at enrolling not only biology graduates, but also young medical doctors who want to complement their clinical training with an opportunity to gain skills in methodological as well as technological aspects of experimental research.

Ideal candidates should preferably be young graduates with a good education track, possibly with past research activities, and knowledge of the English language. To apply to the Program, candidates, with a Master of Science degree or an equivalent graduate degree, must send an Application Form (http://www.rm.unicatt.it/dottorati), accompanied by a complete CV, a short description of their research activities, a statement describing their research interests and two reference letters by academic referees. All candidates are invited for a written examination and an interview at the Catholic University of Rome to assess their scientific knowledge of the field and their motivation and commitment for research. Examination Commission is composed of 3 academic teachers and 1 scientific expert. Admitted students are assigned to a participating lab considering their individual preferences and the available projects, to obtain the best possible match between the candidate and the supervisor.

Progress in the research activity and in the thesis work will be carefully monitored to ensure a productive scientific and professional outcome by the end of the Program. Each student is assigned a supervisor, who will assist and monitor research activity and progress in the thesis work. At least once a year, the students submit a progress report to supervisor and report their progress in a public seminar attended by peers and supervisors. Approval of the work is necessary for going on the course.

Students will be provided the opportunity to pursue training in their own particular area of interest. Residential courses dealing with broad topics in the thematic areas of the course are organized by all participating investigators. The Courses (2 to 3 each year) should contain formal lectures by staff members and invited guests. Each student will given the possibility to participate in at least one national/international meeting/workshop and possibly to present his/her work. Coursework includes the participation to interactive activities in the form of journal clubs, data clubs, etc. (organized in at least a month basis) and the refinement of such general skills as are required for all scientists, namely: critical evaluation and presentation of current scientific literature, the reading and writing of technical material, problem solving, experimental design and, at the end of the course, the active participation to the writing of a scientific manuscript.

The culmination of the Program is the submission of a written doctoral thesis, which is evaluated by various expert readers and then presented in a public lecture attended by a Commission nominated by the Course Coordinator. The Commission includes up to three members of the Board of Teachers and at least one external thesis adviser. A high quality publication of the experimental work carried out during the Program, or at least submission of a manuscript concerning such work is required prior to the discussion of the doctoral thesis. The PhD dissertation should allow the examiners to determine whether the candidate has met the above requirements. It should not be a record of all of the student's work in the department

Students entering the program will be granted a three year institutional fellowship, either
provided by the Ministry of Education and Research or, whenever available, by any of the participating institutions. For the academic year 2012-2013 the gross yearly amount of the fellowships provided to the students for this program is 18,000 Euros. Additional yearly allowance is provided for periods (not more than 50% of total 3 years course) spent abroad by the students during the completion of the thesis work in accordance with supervisor.

See the relative web site
http://roma.unicatt.it/4805.html