Second call for applications – 41st cycle

The PhD programme in Economics of the Tuscan Universities is pleased to announce a supplementary call for applications for the 41th cycle. Applications are open until July 24, 2025, with an additional week allowed for reference letters.
https://phdeconomics.unisi.it/the-new-call-for-the-41-cycle-of-the-phd-in-economics-of-the-tuscan-universities-will-be-published-on-may-9th/

We are awarding 5 positions with full scholarships, distributed as follows:

  • 3 are ‘free topic’: PhD candidates awarded shall carry out their research activities on a topic agreed upon with their thesis supervisor.
  • 2 are linked to specific research themes, for which a tailored research project must be submitted.

Candidates are required to apply to each type of position in separate procedures. Those applying to ‘free topic’ positions can submit a single application. For the two ‘specific research themes’, a separate application is necessary for each. We suggest potential candidates apply first to the ‘free topic’ positions and adapt, when appropriate, their proposal to the thematic calls.


Specific Research Themes

1. Social Cohesion in the Ecological Transformation
This scholarship supports research on how to integrate social equity into sustainable transition strategies. The candidate will contribute to the development of a regional-level macroeconomic model to assess the socio-economic impacts of environmental policies and identify inclusive policy pathways. The project combines sustainability analysis, policy evaluation, and distributive justice, with potential applications in both academic and policy-making environments.

2. Worker Voice, Wages and Technological Change: The Role of Collective Bargaining, Unions and Employee Representation
This scholarship focuses on how digitalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping labour relations, wage structures, and worker representation. The candidate will analyse the risks and opportunities associated with technological innovation, using both theoretical and empirical approaches. The research aims to contribute to the development of fair and inclusive strategies for governing technological change in the labour market.


General Info on the Programme

Our three-year programme requires a full-time commitment and aims to train students for a career as economists in academia, private and public research institutions. The first year consists of intensive coursework, which provides PhD candidates with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to conduct high-level research. Courses are mainly held at the University of Siena, where students are welcome to apply for accommodation facilities.

In the second and third years, students are free to choose where to develop their research project — at the University of Florence, Pisa, or Siena — depending on personal interests and scholarship type. All students must complete a six-month visiting period in a foreign institution, which comes with a 50% increase in the scholarship.


Application Instructions

Deadline: July 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm (Central European Time)
Reference letters: may be submitted within one additional week.

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Online Secretariat. Instructions for submitting applications and further details on procedures are available in the dedicated Admissions section.

Required documents include:

  • Curriculum Vitae et Studiorum indicating qualifications obtained or to be completed by October 31, 2025.
  • A research project in English (max. 8 pages).
  • Two letters of reference from professors and/or research professionals.
  • Abstract of the Master’s thesis (max. 2 pages), in English, Italian, or French.
  • English language certification, if any (positively evaluated).

Eligibility of foreign degrees is assessed by the selection committee in accordance with current regulations and international agreements. All documents must be submitted in English, Italian, or French.

 

We do not train research assistants — we train independent researchers. Join us in a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and supportive environment in one of the most beautiful academic settings in Europe.

For any questions, contact us at: phd-economics@unisi.it