About the program

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

CCSN track offers international doctoral training hosted by the IMT School, one of the six Schools of Excellence in Italy, and one of the highest-rated graduate schools in Europe, according to the most recent U-Multirank survey. The IMT School provides rigorous training and close supervision in variety of disciplines in the social, human and natural sciences, welcoming multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches at their boundaries.

The IMT School is a truly international environment with students from all around the world. The School has a record of placing students in top research universities, policy-making institutions, and companies. English is the official language of the School.

The PhD Track in Cognitive, Computational and Social Neurosciences (CCSN)

This research-based, multidisciplinary track focuses on cognitive, computational and social neurosciences, and integrates basic neuroscience methods with traditional experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. The track prepares researchers capable of developing innovative research strategies and creative ideas to monitor, understand and predict human behavior, mind and its complexity.

The descriptions of some examples of active projects and research themes are available here. The track is nonetheless interested in accepting research projects and themes proposed by candidates other than those described and, in general, in identifying with the students the research themes that best suit their skills and interests.

All Research units at the IMT School organize regular seminars by external and internal faculty members which complement the coursework with exposure to the latest research. Speakers at the seminars are leading researchers from all around the world. See the Events page for a comprehensive list of past seminars and visiting professors.

The CCSN track is part of the Network of European Neuroscience Schools (NENS) that represents over 200 graduate neuroscience schools and programmes across 27 European countries.

Scholarships and funding

All students offered a place in the PhD programme receive full funding, which includes a tax-free stipend of €16,243/year for up to four years, with a possibility of graduating after the third year.

All students receive substantial financial support for attending international academic conferences, summer/winter schools and other developmental opportunities.

Accommodation, desk and meals

All students are granted a desk and free access to the IMT campus for 4 years. The campus is equipped with relaxation areas, coffee areas, a dedicated Turkish bath, a small fitness area, a common leisure room featuring several entertainment facilities (table football and table tennis, PlayStation, board games), and a kitchenette with a cooker, a microwave and a dishwasher.

All students are granted free accommodation in single rooms with a cleaning service for the first 3 years (estimated value of €21,300).

All students are granted free meals (lunch and dinner) throughout the year at the Campus Canteen for 4 years (a benefit worth €14,750).

Incoming and outgoing student profiles

Candidates with a solid background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, medicine, bio-engineering, bionics, physics and mathematics, computer sciences, linguistics, philosophy and logics are strongly encouraged to apply. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of this doctorate track, applications are anyhow welcome from any area of knowledge, including both scientific and social fields and humanities.

According to our placement scores, graduates from this doctorate track will be able to pursue a career in research and academic institutions as well as in the private sector.

What CCSN offers

• International, vibrant, and interdisciplinary research environment.

• Rigorous training in cognitive, computational and social neurosciences.

• Opportunity to meet leading researchers that visit IMT every year.

• Free single room accommodation for 3 years.

• Desk in the campus.

• Every day free meals (lunch and dinner) at the IMT canteen for 4 years.

• Scholarship €16,243/year for up to four years.

• Participation in exchange programs.

How to Apply