Study in Italy’s Top Biomedical Research Institute with Full Funding
Applications are now open for 11 fully funded PhD positions in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology at the renowned Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research (IRFMN), Italy, for the 2025–2026 academic session. Located across Milan, Bergamo, and Ranica, this prestigious PhD program is ideal for graduates aiming to specialize in drug discovery, precision therapeutics, and translational medicine.
These scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees, provide a monthly stipend of €1,400–€1,600, and include research, travel, and health expenses—making it one of Europe’s most attractive doctoral opportunities in pharmacology.
✅ Why Choose the Mario Negri Institute for Your PhD?
🌍 World-Class Reputation
- One of Europe’s leading biomedical research centers
- Publishes 500+ peer-reviewed articles annually
- Strong global collaborations
🧪 Cutting-Edge Research Environment
- Access to next-generation sequencing, cryo-EM, high-throughput screening, advanced imaging, and AI-powered bioinformatics
- Hands-on training in high-tech labs
🏥 Integrated Clinical Experience
- Direct exposure to real patient data, biobanks, and clinical trials (Phase I–III)
- Strong partnerships with leading hospitals for practical learning
💸 Generous PhD Scholarship Coverage
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 100% waiver for 3 years |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,400–€1,600 (net) with annual increments |
| Research Support | Full lab access, consumables, and IT resources |
| Mobility Allowance | Funded conference travel and international lab visits |
| Health Insurance | Covered under Italian National Health Service |
🎯 Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must hold a second-level degree (Laurea Magistrale) or an equivalent Master’s qualification in any of the following:
- Biomedical and Life Sciences
- Bioengineering or Medical Engineering
- Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or Data Science
- Chemistry, Medicinal or Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Physics with a focus on Biophysics or Medical Physics
English proficiency is mandatory. Knowledge of Italian is a plus but not required.
🔍 Research Areas for PhD Projects
Choose from diverse and impactful research fields such as:
- Translational oncology and cancer immunotherapy
- Neuropharmacology and advanced neuroimaging
- Cardiovascular pharmacology & regenerative medicine
- Antimicrobial resistance and microbiome-targeted therapies
- Machine learning for drug repurposing and development
Tools and techniques include:
- CRISPR genome editing
- Organ-on-a-chip microfluidics
- Single-cell omics
- Real-world clinical data analysis
🚀 Career Prospects After Graduation
Graduates from the Mario Negri PhD program thrive in:
- Global research centers like NIH, EMBL, Max Planck
- R&D teams in pharma companies such as Roche, Novartis, GSK
- Clinical roles in public health hospitals and trial units
- Biotech startups, IP management, and science policy organizations
The Career Development Office supports students with:
- Publishing and grant writing
- Patent applications and entrepreneurship
- Scientific communication and teaching skills
📝 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Read the official PhD call and prepare all documents.
- Submit the online application with:
- CV and degree transcripts
- Two reference letters
- English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Short research statement
- Application Deadline: 8 July 2025 at 23:59 CET
- Selection Process:
- Phase 1: Academic and research background evaluation
- Phase 2: Online interview assessing reasoning, expertise, and communication
- Final results: 24 September 2025
📅 Program begins: 12 January 2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can international students apply?
Yes! These PhD scholarships are open to non-EU and international applicants based on academic merit.
Q. Is the program taught in English?
Yes, the entire PhD program is in English. Optional Italian language classes are available.
Q. Can I work part-time during the PhD?
Generally not, due to the workload. However, relevant teaching or consulting roles may be allowed with supervisor approval.
Q. What is the cost of living in Milan/Bergamo?
Your monthly stipend is enough to cover shared accommodation (€450–€600/month), food, transport, and other living expenses.
📢 Call to Action
Securing a fully funded PhD in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology at Mario Negri Institute opens the door to top-tier biomedical research, international networks, and a successful career in both academia and industry.
With only 11 positions available, early preparation is key.
👉 Download the PhD Call & Apply Now
👉 Deadline: July 8, 2025
📌 Key Dates for 2025–26 Mario Negri PhD Admissions
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Publication | 1 June 2025 |
| Application Opens | 5 June 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 8 July 2025 (23:59 CET) |
| Interview Dates | 6–10 August 2025 |
| Final Rankings Released | 24 September 2025 |
| Program Start Date | 12 January 2026 |