PhD Course Regulations – PhD Humanities, Technology and Society

1. Specific Objectives of the PhD in Humanities, Technology and Society

The PhD in Humanities, Technology and Society is designed to offer a high-level educational pathway in the field of Human Sciences, as a hybrid with the theoretical and methodological skills common to the social, legal and technological sciences. As a result of highly qualified faculty in a range of disciplines, a widespread network of national and international contacts, multi-year collaborations with cultural institutions, companies and government bodies, and participation in numerous research projects, the PhD in Humanities, Technology and Society will train highly qualified professionals in a program the objective of which is to impart robust specialist skills and interdisciplinary soft skills.

The PhD Course in Humanities, Technology and Society aims to impart state-of-the-art and innovative scientific skills related to current processes of the transformation of society associated with technological evolution, indispensable both for carrying out high-level research activities in the academic field, and for the governance of the digital and green transition of the country, its government, companies, public and private cultural institutions and third sector bodies. The course therefore trains highly qualified figures with two possible and distinct profiles. One profile is of a researcher with a solid humanistic preparation, able to relate to theories and methodologies of the human and social sciences, with the aim of increasing knowledge and understanding of the relationships between technology, nature and society operating in the fields of national and/or international university and scientific research. The second profile is of an official or consultant for the digital transition with particular attention to the relationship between new technologies and nature, with robust interdisciplinary and critical skills in the design, management, organizational and communication fields. They will be able to apply them in fields of work of strategic importance for the country and its economy, generating positive effects in all organizational contexts (government, companies, third sector bodies, intermediate networks and associations, public and private cultural institutions, etc.) affected by digital and green transition processes.

The educational provision – updated every year and published on the course website, combines specialist teaching and pedagogical activities, participation in seminars, workshops, summer schools, etc. with research activities, participation in conferences (for the presentation of research findings) and internships at institutions, universities, research centers, cultural foundations or companies in Italy or abroad (a minimum of 3 months in total is strongly recommended for the period spent abroad for research and study). The time spent abroad will enable candidates to consolidate their theoretical and methodological skills and knowledge, by means of comparison with different study and research environments, and will enable them to establish a network that will accompany them in the years after they graduate.

At the end of his program, successful PhD graduates will be able to conduct research independently, produce original and relevant results, develop a critical and innovative reflection on the issues of sustainable development and current technological transformations and enter into both the international scientific community and non-academic working environments.

2. Language

The official language of the course is Italian, but knowledge of English is required as the teaching and other general pedagogical activities offered on the course may be conducted in English. Theses can be written in Italian or English. The Board of Studies may authorize the drafting of theses in languages other than Italian or English, based on a suitably justified application from the PhD candidate.

3. PhD Governing Bodies

The governing bodies for the PhD are as follows:

– the Board of Studies

– the PhD Coordinator

– Two Deputy Coordinators, one a member of the Board of Studies representing the Fondazione Collegio San Carlo Foundation, and the other, a member of the Board of Studies representing the Almo Collegio Borromeo

4. The Board of Studies

The provisions set out in the University Regulations regarding composition and tasks (Article 3) apply to the Board of Studies. The Board of Studies organizes and deals with the provision of training and the related formative and summative assessment. Specifically, it decides on:

planning and evaluation of training activities
routes for the admission of PhD candidates to the Course and the criteria for the evaluation and weighting of qualifications
arrangements for award of the qualification
use of financial resources for the general operational requirements of the PhD course[1].
any structuring of the Course into curricula.
the schedule of training activities
proposal to the Rector of the names of the members of the Committee for the entrance examination to the Course
proposal to the Rector of the names of the members of the Committees for the final examination
identification, preferably from members of the Board of Studies, of a tutor for each PhD candidate
approval of the training and research plan of each PhD candidate
approval at the end of the academic year of the admission or otherwise of the PhD candidates to the following year of the course on the basis of an assessment of activities completed, setting times and arrangements for the presentation and assessment of any intermediate papers in the following year
authorization for PhD candidates to travel off-site for periods of training or research
authorization for PhD candidates to carry out paid activities for them to acquire skills concerning the educational field of the PhD, subject to assessment of compatibility with proper completion of the training, teaching and research activities forming part of the PhD course
approval of PhD candidates’ participation in internships organized by public or private entities, in Italy or abroad
authorization for the PhD candidate to carry out supplementary teaching activities
presentation of the judgment on the work done by each PhD candidate to the Committee for the final examination resulting in the award of the PhD
suspensions in the cases provided for in Article 7 of the University Regulations (Rights, duties and position of PhD candidates)
authorization for the transfer of candidates from other PhD courses, provided for in Article 12 of the University Regulations (Incoming transfers from other universities)
authorization for admission to the final examination for PhD candidates
authorization for PhD candidates to carry out working activities subject to assessment of compatibility with the course.

Given the “associated form” of the PhD Course, the proposals to the Rector of the names of the members of the Committee for the entrance examination to the Course (letter g) must include at least one member of the Board of Studies who represents the three affiliated institutions (UNIMORE, Fondazione Collegio San Carlo and Almo Collegio Borromeo).

5. The PhD Coordinator

The PhD Coordinator carries out the tasks set out in the University Regulations as referred to elsewhere. The Coordinator is responsible for the organization and overall functioning of the PhD and the training courses provided as a part thereof. Specifically, they:

receive annual reports on the work done by PhD candidates and convenes the Board of Studies to assess that work
arrange for the collection of candidates’ theses for award of the qualification and the transfer thereof to the examiners; they also receive the examiners’ opinions, which must be sent to the PhD candidate and to the PhD office
may indicate a backup coordinator, in the event of impediment or absence
are supported by one or two Deputy Coordinators, tasked with coordinating the PhD Course and/or any curricula on the course.

The term of the position of PhD Coordinator is three years and can be renewed only once.

6. Tutor and Thesis Supervisor

Usually in year 1, the Board of Studies appoints a tutor, preferably from among its members, responsible for closer follow-up of the training and research of each PhD candidate; the tutor will sign the final thesis as the “Supervisor”. Without prejudice to the supervisory responsibilities of the tutor, they may in the event of special circumstances appoint one or two co-tutors, who may sign the final thesis as “Co-Supervisors”. In any case, at least one of these supervisors must be an academic and at least one other must fulfill the criteria for membership of the said Board.

The thesis supervisor must ensure that research for the thesis is regularly conducted, and must therefore ensure the PhD candidate has access to all the tools and documents they require to properly continue their work. They must make themselves available to discuss findings and reschedule research at the request of the PhD candidate if necessary. They must also train the PhD candidate whose thesis they are supervising in the development of communication skills and presentation of scientific results.

The Board of Studies may revoke the appointment of any thesis supervisor who does not comply with these obligations. Subject to a justified application submitted by the PhD candidate, the Board of Studies may authorize the selection of a thesis supervisor external to the Board or even to the affiliate institutions. In such cases, the Board will appoint one of its members as a scientific contact during the thesis period. Subject to a justified application, the PhD candidate may change Thesis Supervisor after year 1 has been completed. In particular for co-supervised theses, a Thesis Co-Supervisor may be appointed, who will be tasked with collaborating with the Thesis Supervisor in the performance of their duties and with assisting them. The rights and obligations of the Thesis Supervisor are extended to the Thesis Co-Supervisor.

7. Activities and Individual Scientific Training Plan

The three institutions (UNIMORE, Fondazione Collegio San Carlo, and Almo Collegio Borromeo) undertake to contribute to the teaching and tutoring of the course, providing the necessary facilities and equipment for the activities that take place at the said institutions.

Completion of the PhD in Humanities, Technology and Society is subject to the acquisition of 180 CFDs (Crediti Formativi di Dottorato; Doctoral Training Credits), 60 of which must be gained from training activities and 120 from research, teaching and practical activities. In detail, the activities resulting in the acquisition of the CFDs provided for in the course are as follows.

7.1 Training Activities

Teaching set out in the PhD Syllabus: these activities, updated on an annual basis and published on the PhD Course webpage, provide for a final assessment of learning with relevant evaluation and attribute 1 CFD to 4 hours of face-to-face training.

Other training activities: courses offered on other national and international PhD Programs, courses offered within national and international Master’s Degree Programs, interdisciplinary training, summer schools, workshops, seminars, training courses provided by other public or private bodies. The Board of Studies and the affiliated institutions (UNIMORE, Fondazione Collegio San Carlo, and Almo Collegio Borromeo) contribute to the organization of certain supplementary teaching activities and to the provision of visibility thereto on the PhD Course webpage, although supplementary teaching activities are not limited to those published on the site. Proposal submitted by individual PhD candidates and/or individual tutors may be assessed. Participation in other training activities must be agreed in advance with the tutor and involves the acquisition of training credits only if documented (certificate of participation) and to the extent of 1 CFD for 4 hours of face-to-face teaching; courses offered as part of Master’s Degree Programs are excepted, to which an equal number of CFDs is attributed to the number of credits for the said course;

With justification, the PhD candidate may request an increase in the credits to be acquired from training activities in lieu of a proportion of the credits to be acquired from research, teaching and practical activities (see 7.2 and 7.3). The decision to grant this exception falls in any event to the Board of Studies.

7.2 Research

With regard to research, orientation conducted by the relevant tutor and any co-tutor plays a significant role. Orientation consists of carrying out the study and research activities envisaged by the PhD candidate’s research project, but also of the PhD candidate’s involvement in wide-ranging research projects assisted by national and international collaborations and, in specific circumstances, in research in collaboration with companies, government bodies, cultural institutions, research institutions, third sector institutions and trade unions. The research can therefore fall into two different types.

Research related to the thesis: planning, drafting and regular discussion of the PhD thesis, according to the agreed schedule for progress reports, with the support of the scientific tutor

Research not related to the thesis: drafting/publication of scientific contributions, participation in research projects and groups, editorial activities in doctoral journals/series, support for the organization of international and national conferences, subject to approval by the scientific tutor.

The research conducted by each candidate includes the achievement of research findings. Research findings include but are not limited to:

Papers in national or international journals (valid upon submission)
Contribution (papers or posters) to national or international conferences
Participation in the organization of national or international conferences or seminars
Reports on participation in national or international research projects
Reports on national or international internships completed at universities, companies, government bodies, cultural institutions, research institutions, third sector institutions and trade unions.

7.3 Teaching and practical activities

Teaching activities: lectures on bachelor’s/master’s degree courses, tutoring of undergraduates/students, examination boards, reports and contributions to special seminars reserved for PhD candidates aimed at presenting research findings, under the terms and conditions provided for by the general regulations of the University.

Internships in Italy or abroad, at research institutions, universities, companies, government bodies, cultural institutions, third sector institutions and trade unions also fall into the attribution of credits. On a variable basis according to the concrete features set out in the individual training plan, an internship absorbs part of the other training or research activities and the related credits.

8. Structure of Work on the PhD over its 3 Years

A minimum of 54 of the 60 CFDs for training provided for in the three years of the course must be acquired within the first two years of the PhD Course, and a minimum of 39 CFDs must be acquired in year 1. During the three years of the course, a minimum of 39 CFDs must relate to teaching set out in the Syllabus for the PhD in Humanities, Technology and Society, and a minimum of 3 CFDs must be gained in each of the 4 disciplinary fields (humanities, technology/computer sciences, socio-economic sciences, legal sciences), whereas 21 CFDs can be acquired from other educational activities.

At the end of each year, the PhD candidate submits first for tutor validation and subsequently to the Board of Studies a document (sheet) illustrating/summarizing their work, providing a brief description of the training, research, teaching and practical activities carried out, with the total of the corresponding CFDs and the list of certificates of attendance or verification of learning.

By the end of year 2, it is strongly recommended to have spent at least 3 months on internships, preferably abroad, at universities, companies, government bodies, cultural institutions, research institutions, third sector institutions and trade unions.

9. Admission to Subsequent Years

Whether the PhD candidate is admitted to the subsequent year is subject to simultaneous fulfillment of the criteria set out below:

acquisition within the period provided for of the credits for the year (a minimum of 60 CFDs, 39 of which to be gained from training activities at the end of year 1; a minimum of 120 CFDs, 54 of which from training activities), as attested by the annual sheet and the assessment drafted and signed by the tutor. Should the candidate fall below any of the thresholds set out above, this must be resolved in the subsequent year

submission to and approval by the Board of Studies of a progress report on the PhD thesis, according to the thresholds and the schedule for progress reports laid down on an annual basis by the Board of Studies.

10. Final Examination

Theses may be drafted in Italian or English. Theses must be reviewed by the academic tutor and any co-tutor (proposed by the tutor). The selection of a co-tutor must be approved by the Board of Studies at the end of year 2. The candidate must complete their PhD thesis by the date set by the Board of Studies, notified well in advance of the deadline. The thesis, to which the PhD candidate must attach a report on work done during the PhD and any publications, is examined by two lecturers, hereinafter referred to as examiners. The examiners must be highly qualified, must work at external institutions, and their interests must not be in conflict with the tutor, any co-tutor or the candidate. The examiners complete a written analytical opinion on the thesis and propose admission to a viva voce thesis defense or postponement if they consider significant additions or corrections necessary. On the basis of the examiners’ assessment, the Board of Studies authorizes discussion in ordinary appeal or referral to the next step, notifying the candidates and the relevant office. The viva voce thesis defense is conducted before a Jury appointed by the Rector, subject to consultation with the Board of Studies. In the event of failure, the thesis is submitted to a new opinion drawn up by the same examiners, made in the light of the corrections or additions made. The Board of Studies acquires the new opinions of the examiners and in all cases admits the candidate to the viva voce.

11. Transitional Clauses

These regulations for the PhD Course in Humanities, Technology and Society apply as of the 39^th cycle.

[1] Assigned to the Course Organization and Management Department.