The Arturo Falaschi ICGEB Trieste International PhD Programme

ICGEB Trieste, as part of its training programme in genetic engineering and biotechnology, offers postgraduate studies with the aim of obtaining the "Doctor Philosophiae" (Ph.D.) degree in the framework of its International PhD Programme. This Programme is organised in collaboration with the Open University, UK, leading to the granting of the PhD degree in Life Sciences.

This Ph.D. Programme can be validated by:

• the Open University (UK);
• the University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia);
• a suitable national university; candidates wishing to have their degree validated by a university in their country of origin should provide a letter signed by the university concerned to this effect;

and is structured as follows:

The Thesis
The main activity is the experimental laboratory work, which should be the basis for the Ph.D. thesis. It is expected that the work be completed within a three-year period, although an extension of one additional year, as a maximum, may be allowed subject to the availability of funds. When the thesis is completed, it must be discussed and defended before a committee composed of professors from the relevant participating Institutions and/or selected specialists in the field, according to the guidelines foreseen by the Institution where the PhD student is registered (i.e., Open University, University of Nova Gorica etc.). As a complement to the laboratory work, many scientific activities are organised within the framework of the Ph.D. Programme, in particular seminars and training courses.

Annual Programme of Seminars
A series of scientific seminars is organised each year and the lectures are given by invited scientists selected among the specialists in the different fields of research. Please note that The Arturo Falaschi ICGEB PhD Programme requires at least 80% attendance at the annual seminars, regardless of the Degree awarding bodies (i.e. Open University, University of Nova Gorica, etc.); therefore, active attendance by all PhD students is expected.

Additionally, a total of 12 Journal Clubs will be distributed throughout the year, from November to October, and will be chaired by different Group Leaders. All PhD students will have to read the selected literature in order to allow an open discussion among all participants. The paper(s) selected for the discussion could be either related to one of the ICGEB Seminars or selected among the most interesting papers recently published, on a subject chosen by the Group Leader responsible for the Journal Club. As always, active participation is expected from all PhD students during the Journal Clubs.

Introductory Course
At the beginning of each academic year, first-year PhD students will receive a one-week extensive course, in order to ensure a common academic background and to introduce the various research fields of ICGEB. The Introductory Course will consist of a series of half-day lectures given by ICGEB scientists.

ICGEB Annual Courses
As part of the training activities, for the first three years of the programme all PhD students are required to attend one course each year (practical and/or theoretical) selected among the Meetings and Courses organised annually by ICGEB.