The International PhD Academy offers an intensive training opportunity for PhD students, post-docs, and junior researchers from VIU's member institutions. These programs, held over the course of one week at VIU, focus on the latest research emerging from various disciplines, addressing topics with broad societal impacts.
Each PhD Academy is developed and delivered by a collaboration of at least three member universities, guided by a scientific coordinator and supported by VIU's institutional and organizational resources. The programs are distinguished by their interdisciplinary approach.
The PhD Academy also emphasizes the development of transversal skills essential for academic and professional growth. Workshops on scientific writing, project management, funding opportunities, proposal writing, science communication, and presentation skills are integral parts of the program.
The Call for Proposals for PhD Academies in 2026 is open
Exploring the Future of Energy: PhD Academy on Energy and Society
The "PhD Academy on Energy and Society: The Case of Fusion", held from June 10 to 15, 2024, brought together a diverse group of scholars to delve into the complex interplay between energy technology and societal impact. As the global push towards lower carbon energy futures gains momentum, this event emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges of creating a sustainable, resilient, and equitable energy future.
The academy began with an exploration of the intersection between scientific advancements and social, economic, cultural, and ethical considerations. Participants were introduced to the broader implications of energy transitions through the lens of fusion energy, a topic gaining significant attention in public discourse.
One of the highlights was a "Science Tour" led by the Academy’s coordinator, Piero Martin, a renowned scientist from Venice. This tour underscored Venice's lesser-known historical connections to science, juxtaposed with its famed artistic and cultural heritage.
The program also featured a roundtable debate on the future of fusion energy, bringing together eminent scholars and industry experts.
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Pioneering Advances in Laser Technology
The "PhD Academy on Intense Lasers for New Societal Applications", held from May 13 to 17, 2024, successfully bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, highlighting the transformative potential of intense laser technologies. Throughout the academy, participants were immersed in a series of comprehensive sessions that covered various facets of laser technology, beginning with the basics of laser-matter interactions, setting the stage for more specialized topics such as attosecond science, laser-plasma accelerators, and high energy density physics, which is crucial for advancing fusion energy production and understanding astrophysical phenomena.
The program featured in-depth lectures on lasers for defense applications, inertial confinement fusion, and the practical applications of laser-plasma acceleration. Participants explored advanced concepts like image-guided ion beam therapy and the FLASH effect, as well as novel diagnostic techniques using innovative particle sources.
A unique aspect of the PhD Academies at VIU is the inclusion of transversal skills sessions. These sessions are designed to develop crucial skills that young scholars will need to advance their careers in research, whether within academia or in the public or private sectors. Among these were the valuable sessions on patent application, commercialization, networking, and negotiation skills, essential for translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications. By integrating these skills into the program, the academy ensures that participants are well-prepared for the diverse challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their professional journeys.
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Enhancing Climate Resilience: Insights from the PhD Academy on Water and Climate Resilience
The "PhD Academy on Water and Climate Resilience," held from July 8 to 12, 2024, offered an intensive program focused on the critical intersection of water and climate resilience. This academy brought together a diverse group of PhD students, post-docs, and junior researchers to explore state-of-the-art methodologies and address the gaps in analyzing climate change impacts.
Participants engaged in master classes led by international experts, who provided lectures and facilitated discussions on various topics. These sessions covered scenario definition, implementation, and analysis, as well as climate change and hydrometeorological hazard modeling. The program also delved into uncertainty assessment, considering factors such as natural variability, model structure, and scenarios. Additionally, the academy addressed compound disaster and cascading impact assessment, along with interventions for enhancing climate resilience.
A highlight of the academy was the hands-on workshops, where participants collaborated in multidisciplinary teams to co-develop research proposals targeting specific global challenges related to climate resilience. This practical approach not only reinforced the theoretical knowledge gained but also fostered teamwork and innovative thinking.
This international academy attracted 25 students and junior researchers from VIU member universities including Ca' Foscari University of Venice, KU Leuven, LMU Munich, National Research Council (CNR), Stellenbosch University, Tsinghua University, Università degli Studi di Padova, University of Exeter.
