First call for applications

The PhD programme in Economics of the Tuscan Universities is pleased to announce the call for applications for the 39th cycle. They will be open until June 15, 2023, at 2 pm, Central European Time. We are currently awarding 7 positions with full-scholarship, among which:

  • 4 are ‘free topic’: PhD candidates awarded shall carry out their research activities on a topic agreed upon with their thesis supervisor
  • 3 are linked to ‘specific research themes’ on Public Administration:
    ♦ Development of long-term energy forecasting models associated with the energy transition scenarios to 2030
    ♦ Economic systems, ecosystem services and biodiversity in the ecological transition

    ♦ Labour market dynamics Labour market dynamics

Two additional positions are available for applicants with external funding/sponsorship, among which:

  • 1 is reserved for scholarship holders of a foreign country
  • 1 is reserved for scholarship holders of specific international mobility programmes

Candidates are required to apply to each type of position in separate procedures. Those applying to ’free topic’ positions can submit a unique form. For those interested in the three ‘specific research themes’, a single application is necessary for each of them. In general, we suggest that potential candidates apply to the ‘’free topic’’ first and adapt, whenever possible, her/his research proposal to the remaining calls.

Economics ciclo XXXIX

English call cycle XXXIX

 

General info on the programme:

Our three-year program 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 the highest-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, they are free to choose where to develop their research project — either 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.

Info on the ‘specific research themes’:

The three ‘specific research themes’ positions aim to broadly contribute to the quality of Public Administration to advance the common good and achieve constructive change through:

  • the strength of the administrative capacity concerning both the design and the evaluation of public policies;
  • the development of capacities useful for defining and enhancing effective management, leadership and communication skills for public organisations;
  • the support of institutional planning also through the comparative study of innovative governance models between policy sectors and between European, state and sub-state levels of government;
  • the promotion of digital and ecological transition of public administrations, ensuring greater effectiveness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of public action.

In addition to the regular six-month visiting period abroad, students awarded ‘specific research themes’ scholarships need to undertake a six-month internship in a research centre, public administrations institutions or a private company directly involved in public policy implementation.

 

Research projects in the ‘specific research themes’ can include questions related to the following non-exhaustive list:

  1. Development of long-term energy forecasting models associated with the energy transition scenarios to 2030a.The relationship between behavioural adaptation and decarbonisation
    a. The role of renewable energy communities
    b. European electric market reform and energy transitio
    c. The impact of Resilience and Recovery Plans (PNRR) on the development of renewable energy sources
    d. The impact of bioenergy development on energy transition

The Italian Association of Energy Economists is a collaborator in this project and is available to host the PhD student for the six-month internship period.

  1. Economic systems, ecosystem services and biodiversity in the ecological transition
    a. Ecosystem services and the development of inner areas
    b. Biodiversity and renewable energy development
    c. Dependency by and impact on the natural capital of economic and financial systems
    d. Monetary assessment of ecosystem services and the development of innovation projects such as renewable energy

The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research is a collaborator in this project and is available to host PhD student for the six-month internship period.

  1. Labour market dynamics
    a. Fragile labour market and lateral career move
    b. The impact of digital innovation and ecological transition on the labour market
    c. Identification of jobs at risk of displacement due to the adoption of artificial Intelligence
    d. Working time reduction and productivity changes
    e. Time use and labour market decisions

The Regional Institute for Economic Planning of Tuscany is a collaborator in this project and is available to host PhD student for the six-month internship period.

 

Documents required during the online application:

  • Curriculum Vitae et Studiorum indicating qualification obtained or to be completed by 31st October 2023. Issuing institutions must be clearly stated and previous publishing experience is assessed positively.
  • Research project in English and no longer than 8 pages.
  • 2 letters of reference from professors and/or research professionals.
  • Abstract of the Master degree/specialisation/old degree thesis or equivalent foreign title translated into Italian, English or French no longer than 2 pages.
  • English language certification, if any, is assessed positively.

Eligibility of foreign degrees is ascertained by the selection committee in accordance with relevant regulations and international agreements on the recognition of qualifications for further studies. They need to be translated into Italian, English or French.

Applications will be received starting May 15, 2023, until June 15, 2023, at 2 pm, Central European Time, exclusively through Online Secretariat. Instructions for submitting applications are available on the dedicated website section. Furthermore, the schedules indicating the positions, modalities and dates of the exams are available on the specific PhD site.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on June 23, 2023, at 9:30 am.

Link GMeet: https://meet.google.com/dqd-ibis-zoz