ANNUAL REPORT
Doctoral Course in Aeronautical and Space Engineering
Academic Year 2023-2024
This document summarizes the activities carried out as part of the PhD course in Aeronautical and Space Engineering in the academic year 2023-2024.
The period affected is from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024.
December 2023:
Four students currently enrolled with PNRR funds for PhD cycle #38 have been admitted to the second year of the PhD course. For cycle #39, three PhD students fully funded by PNRR funds (DM 118), and six students enrolled with PNRR co-funding for innovative PhD programs (DM 117), have been assigned supervisors for the research work.
January 2024:
The PhD course has renewed for the current academic year new courses directly related to FP6, including an “Introduction to High-Performance Computing” and “Introduction to the Python Language,” provided by renowned experts from CINECA, and a course on “Computer Vision” held by CNR.
February 2024:
New courses specifically targeted to FP6 have been introduced, dealing with “Methods for the Analysis of Multi-Scale Systems” and “Applications of Functional Interpolation to Optimization.” Specialized courses have been specifically designed to introduce PhD students to the world of aerospace companies, delivered by internationally known experts such as Agostino Neri and Marcello Spagnulo, covering topics like “Design of Space Launch Vehicles” and “Management, Governance, and Geopolitics of Space Programs.”
March 2024:
The doctorate has applied to receive funds for additional PhD fellowships from the Italian Space Agency, based on a competitive application, to carry out research in disciplinary and thematic areas consistent with the country's needs, in terms of high-qualification figures and oriented to meet the innovation needs of companies as outlined in the PNRR.
April 2024:
We have secured funds for one PhD position based on DM 630/2024 for innovative doctorates. We have applied for the renewal of the PhD program for the 40th cycle.
May 2024:
The doctorate has received declarations of interest to co-fund six additional DM 630 fellowships from leading Italian companies in the mechanical and aerospace sectors (Leonardo, Fincantieri-CETENA, Thales Alenia-Space).
June 2024:
The doctorate has received funds for three additional PhD fellowships from the Italian Space Agency, based on a competitive application, to carry out research in disciplinary and thematic areas consistent with the country's needs, in terms of high-qualification figures and oriented to meet the innovation needs of companies as outlined in the PNRR.
July 2024:
The Doctoral Board has appointed a committee to manage quality assurance, with a view to implementing procedures aimed at evaluating doctoral courses. The Management Committee is responsible for overseeing and verifying the quality of doctoral activities and monitoring quality assurance processes, and it includes equal representation from both faculty members and doctoral candidates.
August 2024:
The co-tutorship agreement with Université Côte d’Azur has been finalized for a PhD student from the 39th cycle.
September 2024:
Three PhD students from the 36th cycle successfully passed the final examination for the award of the PhD degree. Following the administrative verification procedures, 19 candidates have been admitted to the PhD program, with 6 Sapienza-funded scholarships, 8 scholarships funded by research projects, 1 DM 630 scholarship, and 4 places without scholarships.
October 2024:
23 students from the 39th cycle have been admitted to the second year of the program. 14 students from the 38th cycle have been admitted to the third year. 7 students from the 37th cycle received a favorable opinion from the board for the activities carried out over the three-year period and were invited to submit their thesis for evaluation by external experts.
ROME, 30 December 2023
In faith,
The Coordinator
Sergio Pirozzoli