6 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Cultural Systems at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca in Italy

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca invites applications for 6 fully funded PhD positions in its Cultural Systems (CS) program, with a focus on Management of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies. This multidisciplinary doctoral program is designed for talented graduates from diverse backgrounds, including the Humanities, Social Sciences, and ICT, who are eager to pursue advanced research and professional careers in cultural heritage, creative industries, and academia.

Students will benefit from a dynamic research environment, engaging in both research- and practice-oriented courses that provide innovative, high-quality training. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary experimental activities and research projects, offering direct contact with cultural heritage institutions, companies, and leading academics and practitioners. International mobility is supported through the Erasmus+ framework and special agreements, enabling students to gain global experience and collaborate with partner institutions.

The PhD contract is for 36 months, starting November 1, 2026, and includes a full-time commitment. The official language of the program is English. During the first year, students attend and pass graduate courses; in the second and third years, they focus on their research projects under the guidance of at least one faculty advisor, both in Lucca and abroad. Participation in seminars, conferences, workshops, public outreach, field trips, and research projects is integral to the academic and campus life.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields by October 31, 2026, and demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, motivation, and critical thinking. The program offers a competitive scholarship for up to three years, social security coverage, free accommodation and meals on campus year-round, additional research and international mobility funds, insurance coverage, and no tuition fees. Mentoring, training, and career development support are provided, along with opportunities to interact with scholars from international universities and cultural heritage leaders.

IMT School is a member of the EFC - Educating Future Citizens network, fostering academic and research collaborations across eight Italian institutions. PhD students are encouraged to participate in joint activities and engage with partner institutions.

To apply, candidates must submit their application via the online system at https://pica.cineca.it/imtlucca/imtlucca-phd-cs-2026/ by June 3, 2026, at 1pm (CEST). Students graduating by October 31, 2026, are eligible. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed on July 20, 2026, with admission notifications at the end of July. For more information, visit https://cs.imtlucca.it/ or contact [email protected].