New Call for GSSI PhD Applications 2025/26 now open

51 scholarships for the new GSSI PhD Call

The Gran Sasso Science Institute has published the new call for applications for the forty-first cycle of PhDs. For the next academic year, which will officially begin on 1 November, the research institute has made five more places available than last year, for a total of 51.

The positions are among the four four-year academic Programmes: 13 for Astroparticle Physics, 12 for Computer Science, 12 for Regional Science and Economic Geography, and 14 for Mathematics in Natural, Social and Life Sciences, which, however, has already announced the first session for the selection procedure in the past months, leaving 8 available positions for the summer session.

Italian and EU research funds finance three scholarships: in Physics, one will be on the Astrocent Plus - Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre project (Horizon-CSA funds); in Mathematics, one on the CardioTrials project (ERC - European Research Council funds) and one for the Holes in the heart: a fluid dynamics approach to atrial septal defects project (Prin funds). 

The new doctoral students will join the 170 already in L'Aquila. The GSSI, established after the earthquake, has 80 professors and researchers and over 50 post-docs. Since 2012, the institute has awarded over 230 ‘Philosophiae Doctor’ (Ph.D.) degrees.
The new call for applications envisages a gross annual scholarship of €16,243, accommodation in the GSSI facilities or a substitute grant, board and other benefits. The application for admission must be filled out exclusively using the online procedure available on the GSSI website at www.gssi.it/phd/. Applications received by other means will not be accepted.

There are different deadlines for submitting applications: 23 May 2025 at 3 p.m. (Italian time) for the PhD course in Regional Science and Economic Geography; 30 May 2025 at 3 p.m. (Italian time) for the courses in Astroparticle Physics and Computer Science; 9 June 2025 at 3 p.m. (Italian time) for the 6 positions of the PhD course in Mathematics in Natural, Social and Life Sciences, 29 August 2025 at 3 p.m. (Italian time) for the two project-based scholarships of the PhD course in Mathematics in Natural, Social and Life Sciences.

The GSSI-Gran Sasso Science Institute is an international PhD school and a center for research and higher education in the areas of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Social Sciences. Founded in 2012 in L’Aquila (Italy) as Center for Advanced Studies of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and then established in March 2016 as a School of Advanced Studies providing post-graduate education. Through a day-to-day collaboration and interaction, researchers and students have the opportunity to build a sound knowledge of the research methods and to experiment contamination of interests, innovative approaches and multicultural exchanges in all the GSSI activities. In addressing the complexity of today’s world, GSSI is committed to removing all barriers between its areas of study and research. The dissemination of scientific results towards society and the promotion of cultural events for generic public, citizens and schools are among GSSI goals. The doctoral school of L'Aquila celebrated ten years of activity with the inauguration of the academic year early this January and continues its journey in the wake of its strong international vocation. With over 170 students, almost half of whom comes from worldwide, and nearly one hundred of academic staff, it offers a dynamic environment and collaborations with numerous prestigious scientific institutions in Europe and around the world.

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