Why Choose This PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry?

As the world faces growing threats to food security, ecosystem health, and climate stability, the demand for highly trained experts in sustainable agriculture and forestry is at an all-time high. This doctoral program equips researchers with advanced skills in agricultural innovation, environmental protection, and forest system resilience, preparing them for global careers in academia, policymaking, industry, and beyond.

Program Highlights: Multidisciplinary Research with Global Impact

The program focuses on the interaction between agricultural, forestry, environmental, and socio-economic systems. Students will develop tools to evaluate, innovate, and manage these systems within the framework of sustainability.

Core Research Areas:

• Sustainable Intensification: Boost productivity while preserving ecological balance and long-term resilience.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Develop adaptive strategies for agriculture and forestry in vulnerable and climate-impacted regions.
• Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics: Use cutting-edge biotechnological tools to improve crop and forest species’ performance.
• Environmental Protection: Promote conservation and sustainable land use to safeguard biodiversity and natural resources.
• Soil-Plant Interactions: Study soil chemistry, microbiology, and plant health to support ecosystem restoration and productivity.
• Non-Food and Industrial Crops (Including Ornamentals): Diversify farming outputs for economic sustainability and climate-smart agriculture.

Who Should Apply?

This PhD program is ideal for candidates who want to:

• Tackle real-world problems in climate change, sustainable land use, and global food systems
• Conduct high-impact research with international relevance
• Work in multidisciplinary teams with access to field stations, labs, and experimental farms

Eligibility Criteria:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, forestry, biology, environmental sciences, or related disciplines
• Strong academic background and research interests aligned with the program
• International degrees are welcome and will be evaluated for equivalency

Application Deadline: July 7, 2025 – 12:00 PM (Noon CET)

Apply early to secure your spot! All applicants should submit their documents through the official application portal.

Online Application Portal: https://pica.cineca.it/unina/dottorato41/
Contact Email: phdnafedericoii@unina.it
Official Call for Applications: University Website – PhD Admissions

Study in Italy: A Hub of Culture and Research Excellence

Located in the vibrant city of Naples, the University of Naples Federico II offers an intellectually stimulating and culturally rich environment. As one of Italy’s oldest and most renowned public universities, it boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, international collaborations, and access to diverse ecosystems for research.

Launch Your Global Research Career Today!

If you’re looking to advance your career in sustainable agriculture, forestry, or environmental sciences, this PhD program offers the perfect platform. With fully funded positions, access to international research networks, and a clear focus on real-world sustainability, your journey toward becoming a global research leader starts here.

About the Program

Hosted by the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, this PhD program is led by Dr. Kyle F. Davis of the Global Food Futures Lab. The focus is on exploring how climate-related shocks—like droughts, floods, and extreme heat—impact food systems, especially in the Global South.

Key Research Areas:

• Integration of climate, agriculture, and food system datasets
• Use of remote sensing tools such as Landsat, Sentinel, and PlanetScope
• Application of Google Earth Engine (GEE) and machine learning algorithms
• Comparative studies between Global North and South food systems
• Development of open-access tools and policy recommendations

This program emphasizes real-world impact and supports evidence-based policy and resilience-building strategies for climate-adaptive food systems.

Eligibility and Who Should Apply

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in geography, environmental science, agriculture, computer science, or related fields
• Strong coding skills in Python and R
• Experience with large datasets, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and regression modeling
• Interest in or experience working in the Global South

Preferred Skills:

• Background in food security, nutrition, or rural development
• Experience with climate data modeling and agriculture-climate interactions
• Understanding of supply chain resilience and development frameworks
• Commitment to applied research for global development and policy impact

Program Benefits

• Fully funded: tuition, stipend, and research support included
• Work with a world-class, interdisciplinary research team
• Access to advanced tools, datasets, and international research networks
• Opportunities to publish in top academic journals and attend global conferences
• Inclusive and collaborative research environment focused on sustainable solutions

How to Apply

To apply for this fully funded PhD opportunity, email the following materials to kfdavis@udel.edu with the subject line:
“Food Systems PhD Materials”

Required Documents:

• A 1-page cover letter describing your background, research interests, and career goals
• A CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• Contact information for 2–3 academic references
• (Optional) A portfolio including GitHub links, publications, code samples, or GIS maps

Application Timeline:

• Review begins: August 15, 2025
• Final Deadline: Applications will be accepted until positions are filled

Launch Your Career in Climate and Food Systems Research

This is more than a PhD—it’s a chance to drive real change in how the world responds to climate and food security challenges. Whether your interest lies in AI for agriculture, climate-resilient supply chains, or data for sustainable development, this program provides the skills, mentorship, and global platform you need to make an impact.

Learn more by contacting Dr. Kyle F. Davis at kfdavis@udel.edu