At UNINT there is an active PhD in Global Studies & Innovation. The programme is aimed at training highly qualified researchers and professionals, with a deep understanding of the current theoretical horizon surrounding innovation and social change, as well as a concrete knowledge of the intercultural and transnational contexts in which the aforementioned changes occur.
Description and objectives
The program is designed to prepare highly qualified researchers and professionals with a deep understanding of the theoretical framework surrounding innovation and social change, as well as concrete knowledge of the intercultural and transnational contexts in which these changes occur. The goal is to develop skills related to the evolution of global society, with particular reference to people, organizations, institutions, languages, and educational processes.
The doctoral program therefore envisions an interdisciplinary approach, combining the study of the dynamics underlying ongoing changes in society from a social, psychological, cultural, political, and economic perspective, with particular attention to the impact of digital innovation. Doctoral students are expected to develop and synthesize research related to social sciences, humanities, economics and technology so that they can carry out innovative and interdisciplinary studies.
The doctoral course also focuses on the study of the theories and practices of “transnational management,” with a specific focus on the relationships between Europe and the most relevant emerging geographical areas. The program aims to attract master's graduates with a strong multi/interdisciplinary profile and significant knowledge of intercultural communication research paradigms.
Research activities are supervised by the Doctoral Committee, in a dialogue with the doctoral students, to enhance their interdisciplinary aspects, in the context of studies on innovation and globalization.
La duration of the program is equal to three years and number of places available is equal to five, Of which three positions with PhD scholarships pursuant to Ministerial Decree 247/2022.
The admission procedures and selection criteria are defined in a specific announcement, which is published once a year, usually between July, August, and September. Admission to the doctorate is also open to public administration employees who, if admitted following the selection process, can take advantage of a period of study leave for the duration of the program.
Scientific approach and research themes
The doctoral program therefore features an interdisciplinary approach that aims to deepen, including operationally, the understanding of the main trends in social, psychological, cultural, political, economic, and technological innovation, and to outline interventions in national and international contexts that are not only effective and efficient, but also focused on individual care. Therefore, the program aims to train highly specialized professionals capable of effectively managing highly complex situations without losing sight of the centrality of the individual and the need to contribute to the social development of the individual and the community.
- Industrial Doctorate Scholarship Funded by Garage/94 SSD: PSIC-02/A. Topic: To promote research into new technologies to support the school inclusion of individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders or other Special Educational Needs (SEN). The ultimate goal of the grant is to promote research, especially in the fields of VR, AAC, and AI, relating to the management of communication, socialization, and independence difficulties in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders or other SEN, promoting their inclusion in the classroom and subsequently in the workplace.
- Industrial Doctoral Scholarship Funded by Bolle di Sapone SSD: PSIC-02/A. Topic: Validating the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis interventions in the education of individuals with typical and atypical development, with particular reference to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Specifically, the research must have the ultimate goal of identifying best practices in the early and intensive treatment of autism, also prioritizing the identification of new intervention models.
- Industrial Doctorate Scholarship Funded by ConventionBureauItalia SSD: GSPS-05; SDEA-01/A; PSIC-03/A. Topic: Promoting research in the social, anthropological, and psychological sciences applied to tourism, with particular reference to conference and congress tourism. The ultimate goal of the research is to study conference and congress tourism in Italy, with particular reference to the academic field. Psychosocial and cultural aspects will be analyzed in detail to verify the consistency between supply and demand and enhance the quality of the offering.
- University Scholarship, Global Studies and Internationalization Area SSD: ANG/01-C; FLMR/01-D; FRAN/01-B; ECON/07-A; GIUR/11-B. Topic: Analysis of migratory, intercultural, and linguistic phenomena with a focus on international relations. Special emphasis will be placed on alternative languages (CAA 20 and sign language) and technological languages.
- University Scholarship, Computer Science and Technology Area SSD: INFO/01-A. Topic: Methodologies for developing immersive apps aimed at improving learning processes and strategic problem solving.
The program aims to attract master's graduates with a strong multi/interdisciplinary profile and significant knowledge of intercultural communication research paradigms.
Candidates must be able to develop high-quality scientific activity, focused on the following areas of study:
- Law, international relations and geopolitics
- Multiculturalism and Languages
- Social, psychological and educational sciences
- International and digital affairs
- International security
- Global business, international economics and sustainability
The program encompasses research and training in the fields of linguistics, education, management, and intercultural communication. Overall, it provides students with significant insights into the impact of digital innovation from social, psychological, educational, cultural, legal, political, and economic perspectives.
Career opportunities
Upon completion of the course, PhD students will be able to qualify for positions in international companies and organizations, including public institutions, supranational organizations, and multinational corporations operating in Europe and/or emerging countries.
PhD students will also be able to access teaching and research positions in academia and higher education institutions.
Examples of job functions include:
- Management of internal and external intercultural communication;
- management of cross-border transactions and business relationships;
- human resources and diversity management;
- development of language strategies and strategic language solutions in communication units;
- development of translation, language and communication strategies in translation companies;
- interpreting and translation management;
- Country analysis and intercultural segmentation of foreign markets;
- negotiation in an intercultural context;
- development of innovative linguistic and communication solutions for intercultural marketing in export and marketing companies;
- development of language and intercultural communication programs;
- teaching and research in universities or upper secondary education;
- research in the field of learning processes and neuroscience;
- management of innovative projects in digital environments;
- geopolitical and security analyses;
- consultancy for public/private actors involved in global crisis scenarios;
- consultancy for public/private actors involved in organizational and community development programs and projects;
- planning and management of activities aimed at preventing social conflicts.
Overview of educational and research activities
Each candidate admitted to the doctoral program is assigned a supervisor, a member of the Faculty Board, and one or more co-supervisors. The supervisor and co-supervisor are responsible for integrating the student into the research program and are committed to supporting them in proposing and planning their individual study plan. The supervisor and co-supervisor work with the student to define the specific research topics and, subsequently, the thesis.
Individual curriculum
First and second year PhD students propose an individual curriculum to the Doctoral Board - Individual Training Agreement – drawn up under the guidance of tutors, in which students include some courses relevant to their research project.
PhD candidates have access to:
- Courses dedicated exclusively to the PhD: each UNINT Degree course organises and activates a 20-hour course for its own reference sectors;
At the end of the courses there is a suitability test whose judgment will be expressed as "suitable" in case of a positive result or "unsuitable" in case of a negative result.
Depending on the type of teaching, the exam may be written and/or oral, with possible presentation of work or essays by the students.
Specifically, doctoral students must fully complete their mandatory courses and any electives they choose to include in their study plan. In total, they must compile a study plan that includes mandatory courses and a total of 24 hours of electives.
Doctoral seminars
I doctoral seminars These are seminars dedicated to doctoral students and constitute the common program for all doctoral students.
Seminars can be held by both members of the College and external teachers.
The frequency of doctoral seminars It is mandatory for at least80% of the hours.
Substitute and/or supplementary activities
With the prior approval of their supervisor, PhD students may propose alternative activities related to their doctoral thesis and the research and publications they are expected to produce during their studies.
This includes the participation of doctoral students in mainly external scientific initiatives, such as conferences and seminars held at other scientific and institutional venues.
Administrative activities
PhD students can be involved in university administrative activities for a maximum of two afternoons a week.
Teaching activities
Subject to the approval of the Teaching Board, the doctoral student will be able to carry out supplementary teaching and teaching support activities as well as participate in assistance activities for the relevant teachers in carrying out their teaching activities.
Scientific papers
Starting from the second year, PhD students must publish at least one paper per year in scientific journals which can be evaluated according to the ANVUR (Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of the University System and Research) criteria.
Studying abroad
Starting from the second year, doctoral students have the opportunity to carry out periods of study and research abroad at other universities and research institutions.
For PhD students with scholarships, the amount of the scholarship is increased by 50% for periods of stay abroad of at least 30 continuous days.
Periods of stay abroad must be authorized by the Teaching Board which will discuss the doctoral student's proposal only after receiving the official invitation letter from the host institution.
Scheduling of Doctoral Board meetings
Doctoral Board meeting February 2025
The Doctoral Board (cycles 37-38-39-40-41) is expected to be convened on Tuesday 11 February, 11:00.
Doctoral Board meeting March 2025
The Doctoral Board (cycles 37-38-39-40-41) is expected to be convened on Tuesday 18 March, 11:00.
Doctoral Board meeting June 2025
The Doctoral Board (cycles 38-39-40-41) is expected to be convened on Tuesday 3 June, 11:00.
Doctoral Board meeting September 2025
The Doctoral Board (cycles 38-39-40-41) is expected to be convened on Tuesday September 9, 11:00.
Doctoral Board meeting December 2025
The Doctoral Board (cycles 38-39-40-41) is expected to be convened on Tuesday December 16, 11:00 am.
These meetings will be held in-presence.
It will be possible to participate online, upon presentation of justification.
Documents
- Decree No 2270 - University regulations for the establishment, activation and functioning of research PhD courses (approved in the Senate on 12/06/2025, minutes No 243)
- Decree no. 2379 - Regulations on the establishment, activation and operation of PhD courses (approved in the Senate on 12/06/2025, minutes no. 243)
Doctoral Seminar calendar
The calendar for Cycle XLI will be published soon in this section.
Teachers' Board XLI cycle
Coordinator
Salvatore Patera – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | salvatore.patera@unint.eu
Members
Amedeo Argentiero – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | amedeo.argentiero@unint.eu
Simonetta Bartolini – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | simonetta.bartolini@unint.eu
Cristina Benicchi – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | cristina.benicchi@unint.eu
Miriam Capasso – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | miriam.capasso@unint.eu
Stefania Cerrito – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | stefania.cerrito@unint.eu
Maddalena Chiellini – Convention Bureau Italia Scrl | maddalena@conventionbureauitalia.com
David D'Elia – Bolle di Sapone Social Cooperative Society Onlus | deliadavide@yahoo.it
Alessandro De Nisco – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | alessandro.denisco@unint.eu
Alessandro Frolli – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | alessandro.frolli@unint.eu
Alexandre Anselmo Guilherme – Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul | alexandre.guilherme@pucrs.br
Luigi Iovino – Garage/94 srl | garagenovantaquattro@gmail.com
Katrin Kullasepp – University of Tallinn | katrink@tlu.ee
Tiziana Lioi – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | tiziana.lioi@unint.eu
Giada Mainolfi – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | giada.mainolfi@unint.eu
Anna Carla Nazzaro – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | annacarla.nazzaro@unint.eu
Luciano Nieddu – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | l.nieddu@unint.eu
Salvatore Patera – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | salvatore.patera@unint.eu
Marco Romano – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | marco.romano@unint.eu
Mariagrazia Russo – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | mariagrazia.russo@unint.eu
Ciro Sbailò – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | ciro.sbailo@unint.eu
Luca Simione – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | luca.simione@unint.eu
Sara Trucco – Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT | sara.trucco@unint.eu
Call for applications for the 2025st cycle (academic year 2026/XNUMX)
Notice
Please note that to apply for the doctoral competition, you must complete the documentation below.
Notices
THEUniversità degli Studi Internazionali di Roma – UNINT announces with sorrow and deep emotion the untimely passing of Stephen Oduro, who received his PhD in Intercultural Relations and International Management from our University in 2022.
We extend our deepest condolences to Stephen's family and friends, and extend our deepest sympathies to them at this time of great sorrow.
University of International Studies of Rome – UNINT
Please note that, as also reported in the call for applications published in the MUR system, the deadline for submitting applications for admission to the PhD program in “Global Studies & Innovation” – 23st cycle – will expire at 59:15 pm on September 2025, XNUMX.
