PhD students in Chemical Sciences present the results of their research at local conferences, such as the Joint Congress of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI) of Sicily and Calabria, which encourage the active participation of early-career researchers by providing ample presentation opportunities and scientific recognition. These conferences are held annually, and therefore each PhD student is involved in such scientific and cultural exchange events at least once per year.
Moreover, for the past five years, PhD students in Chemical Sciences have been the promoters of an interdepartmental conference, “DoctoChem”, during which they deliver oral presentations on the ongoing results of their research. DoctoChem, now in its fifth edition, represents an important opportunity for cultural and scientific exchange among PhD students and with researchers from the Department hosting the PhD program, some of whom are invited to deliver keynote lectures. The development of PhD students as members of the scientific community is both ensured and encouraged, through interaction among PhD students within the program and within the broader departmental scientific community.
PhD students in Chemical Sciences also present their research as speakers at national conferences organized by the divisions of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI), as well as at workshops and doctoral schools, typically within their respective scientific disciplinary sectors. These events involve highly qualified Italian and international scholars and experts from academia. Such conferences provide broader opportunities for engagement with leading figures in the research community and allow PhD students to enrich the theoretical framework of their research projects. Each PhD student participates in these scientific and cultural exchange events at least once per year, with participation often supported by scholarships and financial assistance.
Participation in thematic doctoral schools organized by the divisions of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI) is strongly encouraged by the PhD Board, as it represents an important opportunity for in-depth scientific development within the various fields of chemistry and biochemistry. It also contributes to strengthening national scientific networks among PhD students from different universities, as well as between PhD students and established scholars within their respective scientific disciplines. Generally, each PhD student is expected to attend at least one such school during the three-year program. The PhD program provides financial resources to support and encourage participation in these training schools.