The University Institute of Higher Studies of Pavia (IUSS Pavia) in Italy has opened applications for the 42nd Cycle PhD Programme in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (PhD SDC) for the 2026 academic year. The interdisciplinary doctoral programme offers fully funded research opportunities for candidates interested in addressing global challenges related to climate change, sustainability, environmental transformation, technology, society, economy, and health.
The programme brings together a network of more than 50 universities and public and private research centres, coordinated by IUSS Pavia, to develop innovative research solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.
Applications are open for more than 30 fully funded PhD positions, with the deadline set for 26 August 2026 at 1:00 PM CEST.
About the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change
The PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change is a three-year doctoral research programme delivered entirely in English. It is designed to prepare researchers capable of developing integrated solutions to complex sustainability challenges through collaboration across multiple academic disciplines.
The programme combines expertise from environmental sciences, social sciences, technology, economics, healthcare, and policy studies to create a comprehensive approach toward building a more sustainable future.
The doctoral programme provides candidates with opportunities to:
- Conduct advanced research in sustainability and climate-related fields.
- Collaborate with international universities and research institutions.
- Participate in multidisciplinary academic activities.
- Gain international research experience.
- Develop solutions supporting climate resilience and sustainable development.
Key Programme Highlights
The PhD SDC provides an extensive academic and research environment supported by international experts.
Key features include:
- Duration: Three years.
- Language: English.
- Funding: More than 30 fully funded PhD positions.
- Partner institutions: Over 50 universities.
- International research experience: Six months of research abroad.
- Academic support: More than 200 researchers and professors involved.
- Training opportunities: Over 160 hours of courses, seminars, and professional development activities.
The programme encourages collaboration between researchers from different fields to address sustainability challenges through innovative and practical approaches.
Research Structure and Curriculum
The PhD programme follows a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary structure focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Candidates participate in three levels of educational activities:
Horizontal Programme
The horizontal level provides all PhD candidates with broad knowledge of sustainability and climate change challenges.
Activities include:
- Multidisciplinary seminars.
- Cross-disciplinary discussions.
- Global sustainability perspectives.
- Climate change and development frameworks.
Vertical Programme
The vertical level focuses on specialised knowledge and research tools related to each candidate’s chosen field.
Participants receive training in:
- Research methodologies.
- Technical approaches.
- Analytical tools.
- Field-specific academic knowledge.
Focused Programme
The focused level provides specialised thematic and methodological courses delivered by host universities to support individual research projects.
These activities help candidates develop advanced expertise while strengthening their ability to conduct impactful research.
Available Research Curricula for the 42nd Cycle
For the 2026 intake, the PhD programme offers three main research curricula.
CU-Alpha: One Health – Earth System and Human Life
This curriculum explores the relationship between environmental systems and human health.
Research areas include:
- Climate impacts on human wellbeing.
- Environmental health.
- Sustainable ecosystems.
- Interactions between human activities and natural systems.
CU-Beta: Human Society – Socio-Economic Impacts, Institutions and Theories
This curriculum examines the social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
Research themes include:
- Socio-economic impacts of climate change.
- Sustainability policies.
- Institutional responses.
- Social transformation theories.
CU-Gamma: Technology and Territory – Sustainable Strategies and Solutions for Transition
This curriculum focuses on technological innovation and sustainable territorial development.
Research areas include:
- Green technologies.
- Sustainable transition strategies.
- Climate adaptation solutions.
- Innovation for resilient communities.
Eligibility and Application Information
The call for applicants provides detailed information regarding eligibility requirements, available scholarships, application procedures, and important deadlines.
Applicants interested in joining the programme should review the official 42nd Cycle PhD SDC call and prepare the required application materials before submission.
The programme is suitable for candidates with academic backgrounds related to:
- Environmental sciences.
- Climate studies.
- Engineering.
- Social sciences.
- Economics.
- Health sciences.
- Technology and innovation.
- Sustainable development research.
Application Timeline
Important dates for the 42nd Cycle PhD programme include:
- Application deadline: 26 August 2026 at 1:00 PM CEST.
- Admission to oral examination: 21 September 2026.
- Oral examination: 23 September 2026.
- Final admission results: 10 October 2026.
- Programme start date: 1 November 2026.
Why Apply for This PhD Programme?
The PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change provides researchers with a unique opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts while gaining access to international academic networks.
Successful candidates will benefit from:
- Fully funded doctoral research opportunities.
- International collaboration opportunities.
- Access to leading researchers and professors.
- Research experience abroad.
- Advanced training in sustainability and climate-related disciplines.
- Opportunities to contribute to solutions addressing global environmental challenges.
The programme is ideal for ambitious researchers seeking to develop innovative approaches to climate action, sustainable development, and societal transformation.
About IUSS Pavia
The University Institute of Higher Studies of Pavia (IUSS Pavia) is a research and training institution in Italy that provides advanced educational programmes designed to complement traditional university education.
Through its research initiatives and international partnerships, IUSS Pavia supports excellence in academic research and the development of future leaders in science, innovation, and sustainable development.
