Doctoral School of Project Studies

I. The Doctoral School (Institution)

The Doctoral School

The Doctoral School in Design Studies and Cultures, established by the Department of Architecture, was launched with the 41st intake to develop and consolidate third-cycle education in the field of design. As a centre of excellence for scientific research, it aims to provide doctoral students with high-level skills, fostering the integration of theoretical, methodological and practical knowledge within an interdisciplinary and international framework. In line with European guidelines and national research policies, the School actively promotes collaboration with other academic institutions, as well as public and private bodies, thereby enhancing the excellence and innovative capacity of its research programmes.

The School’s Governing Bodies

The Doctoral School is based on a fair and participatory governance system, designed to ensure transparency, effectiveness and quality in the management of its activities. The organisation is led by the Director, who represents the School and coordinates its proper scientific and administrative functioning, and by the Council. The latter is the planning and steering body, comprising the Programme Coordinators, the lecturers appointed by each programme and representatives of the PhD students, ensuring ongoing dialogue amongst the academic members. The Council sets out strategic guidelines, approves the programme and manages resources. To uphold high scientific standards, the School also draws on a Scientific Committee comprising external experts of recognised standing, who are called upon to contribute to defining the scientific and cultural directions.

The School’s Principles

The School serves as the umbrella organisation for all existing PhD programmes within the Department of Architecture and, through specific agreements, may include other PhD programmes at the University that are consistent in terms of scientific and disciplinary objectives. Its operations are based on full compliance with the University of Florence's regulations and ensure the effective participation of all members in the Councils. Strategies, activities and resources are defined through the multi-year plan and the Annual Plan, ensuring the responsible use of funds. Financial resources, drawn from the Department and from potential agreements with public and private institutions, are invested to support the quality and innovation of the School’s research and training activities.