Proposed by the Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, in collaboration with the Departments of Humanities, Philosophy, Communication, and the Department of Economic Sciences, this interdepartmental and interdisciplinary PhD program brings together different expertise from across eight departments of the university.

This doctoral program is positioned within an emerging field of research that explores the principles and practices related to the development and adoption of sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The program offers students an interdisciplinary training path aimed at equipping them with theoretical knowledge, empirical awareness, and practical models that are essential to proactively engage with the emerging field of sustainable AI, both in the sense of AI for sustainability and Sustainable AI. The goal is to train high-level researchers with cross-disciplinary skills spanning technical-scientific, applied, economic-industrial, and socio-cultural domains. These researchers will be capable of designing and managing AI development and implementation processes that are attentive to the systemic complexity required by the principle of sustainability.

The PhD program consists of a shared interdisciplinary core, which is then followed by two specialized curricula:

• AI in context: sustainable socio-technical systems, rooted in social sciences and the humanities

• Participatory development of AI models, methods and applications, grounded in mathematics, computer science, and engineering

The program prepares high-level professionals with cross-cutting competencies in technical-scientific, socio-cultural, and economic-industrial areas. Graduates will be able to work in multidisciplinary environments and tackle the challenges associated with ethical and sustainable AI applications across various sectors. The objective is to train experts capable of designing and managing AI systems that take into account the systemic complexity required by sustainability.

Thanks to its multidisciplinary approach, the PhD program aims to develop young researchers skilled in designing context-aware AI models and methods through participatory processes involving dialogue with stakeholders, opening up diverse career opportunities.

For those pursuing an academic path, the PhD is a fundamental requirement both nationally and internationally. Equally important is the opportunity to work in cutting-edge research centers and institutions dedicated to technological development, where the acquired skills will prove essential. PhD graduates distinguish themselves through a deep understanding of technological evolution, a critical awareness of the social impact of innovations, and a strong command of advanced scientific tools and methodologies. These attributes allow them to address market challenges with rigor, independence, and critical thinking.

The transversal skills acquired through the program enable graduates to take on key roles in public and private research centers, companies, and industries, and also foster the creation of innovative enterprises both in Italy and abroad. PhD holders play a strategic role in enhancing skills within industrial and professional sectors, contributing to technology transfer, and supporting the development of academic spin-offs and cutting-edge startups.

Duration: 3 years

Language: English