PhD in BioRobotics
A three-year study and research program that aims to train high-skilled researchers and innovators. With more than 120 students enrolled (an average of 40 or more students per year), the PhD in BioRobotics is among the largest doctoral schools in robotics and biomedical engineering in the world.
BioRobotics is an emerging interdisciplinary field at the intersection of robotics, bioengineering, biomimetics and bionics. The PhD in BioRobotics is a three-year program that offers a stimulating multidisciplinary learning and research environment (see our Research Lines). The program aims at training young talents in the design and development of radically new robots, biomedical devices, biological systems, therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, investigating new designs, fabrication technologies, materials, data processing methods, and mathematical models, and taking into account environmental, social, ethical and economic sustainability. Doctoral research projects are carried on in very well equipped, state-of-the-art laboratories. Personal and team work are performed under the supervision of a committed faculty in the framework of international collaborations.
During the three-years program, doctoral candidates must obtain:
- 20 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) by the attendance of internal courses as well as of external courses and summer school, and by project works
The PhD in BioRobotics guarantees a broad and multidisciplinary training (see Courses). At the end of the PhD Program, Doctors of Philosophy will possess solid scientific and engineering skills, the ability to conceive and carry out original research projects, and an autonomous entrepreneurship spirit.
Admission
Students are admitted to the program following a successful entrance examination (ranking criteria are set in the official call). Eligible applicants must hold a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree or equivalent title. Applicants who, as of the deadline for participation in the competition, have not obtained the degree and will obtain it by October 31, 2026, may also participate in the selection.
For most research lines, the main workplace is Pontedera. However, some students may work in other cities (see the locations for the different Research lines). Our PhD involves different places, persons and environments, but all share the same roots and are part of the same community.
Scholarships and benefits
Students admitted to the PhD program receive a fully funded three-year scholarship (€19,740 per year), renewed annually following a successful assessment. Additional benefits include 26 free meals per month, a 50% increase in the scholarship during the research period abroad, a personal fund for research and training, and possibly a yearly contribution for accommodation (for more information, see the current call and its annexes).
Application and Tuition Fees
There are no application fees, as well as no tuition fees for the enrolment to the PhD in BioRobotics.
Post-degree employment
The employment rate reaches 100% in short after the degree. Job opportunities ranges from academia (with alumni now working at prestigious international universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Boston University, ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of Pittsburgh, University of Alabama, Khalifa University) to public and private research centres. Many of our PhD holders find jobs in high-tech industries and start-ups.