PhD Programme objectives
The PhD Programme in Computer Science trains highly qualified researchers able to advance knowledge and develop innovative solutions in scientific, industrial, and societal contexts.
Objectives
The PhD Programme in Computer Science at the University of Bari Aldo Moro aims to train highly qualified researchers capable of contributing original results to the theoretical, methodological, and applied foundations of computer science.
The programme develops advanced skills in critical analysis of the state of the art, formulation of research questions, design of rigorous methods, experimental validation, and scientific communication. PhD students are trained to conduct independent research, participate in national and international projects, and identify the scientific, industrial, and societal impact of their work.
The programme promotes autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, international mobility, open science, research ethics, intellectual property awareness, and technology transfer.
Programme structure
Duration: three years.
Research project: each PhD student develops an individual research project under the guidance of one or more supervisors.
Training activities: advanced courses, specialist seminars, laboratories, PhD Days, research visits, conferences, doctoral consortia, and transversal skills training.
Credits: PhD students are required to attend advanced courses for at least 15 ECTS during the first two years and pass final examinations corresponding to at least 8 ECTS.
The programme combines theoretical foundations, advanced methodologies, experimental research, and technology transfer. Training activities are clearly distinct from first- and second-cycle teaching and are designed to support the development of independent researchers.
The programme also promotes internationalisation through research periods at universities, research centres, public institutions, and private organisations in Italy and abroad.
Research themes
The research activities cover the main areas of contemporary computer science, including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models
- Big Data and Data Science
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Computer Vision
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Symbiotic AI
- Databases and Knowledge Bases
- Software Engineering
- Technology-Enhanced Learning
- Bioinformatics
- Digital Health
- Cultural Heritage
- Complex Systems Analysis
Who should apply
The programme is intended for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, or related disciplines.
Ideal candidates should be interested in advanced research, capable of working independently and collaboratively, and willing to engage with interdisciplinary and international research environments. The programme is particularly suited to students aiming for careers in academia, public or private research centres, high-tech companies, public administration, and innovation-driven organisations.