During the doctoral path, a PhD student learns how to perform original, innovative and independent research in a specific scientific domain, acquiring expertise and knowledge that allow him/her to become an international expert in his/her research topic.

However, by solving challenging problems with methodological rigour and creativity, the PhD student also acquires cross-cutting expertise and abilities that have a general value beyond a specific scientific field, such as thinking outside the box, analysing situations and finding solutions, working in a team, organizing time and tasks efficiently, using technology effectively, expressing ideas and results clearly and effectively, disseminating knowledge to both specialists and non-specialists, interacting with international and multidisciplinary contexts, navigating diverse cultural environments, and so on.

In our complex society, these transversal skills are greatly valued across different jobs and life situations, not only in academia, but also in companies and public administration, throughout the top-tier level of professions in both the private and the public sector.

In this perspective, the University of Bologna organizes a rich portfolio of initiatives to strengthen PhD students' transversal skills, believing that such abilities are crucial for their future.

Click on the tab “Program structure” to find out more!