Spaces and Workstations
Each PhD student is provided with a workstation equipped with a computer and a dedicated space within the laboratories of the host institution. PhD students share research spaces with other PhD students, researchers, and faculty members, fostering a collaborative working environment. Those involved in clinical activities also have access to the relevant hospital facilities.
A classroom dedicated to PhD students is available for study and collaborative activities. The room, located on the ground floor of the General Pathology Building (https://dmsp.web.uniroma1.it/it/aule), is equipped with workstations, internet connection, and a video projector, and is used for meetings, scientific discussions, preparation of presentations, and internal seminars.
Scientific Equipment
Research activities are carried out in laboratories of cellular and molecular biology, human genetics, and genomics, through integrated approaches combining molecular diagnostics and experimental research.
The laboratories are equipped with advanced instrumentation for molecular, cellular, and genetic analyses, including microscopy systems, biological safety cabinets, spectrophotometers, Real-Time PCR systems, electrophoresis equipment, cell incubators, centrifuges, molecular imaging systems, and instruments for nucleic acid quantification.
In addition, next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, digital PCR systems, and tools for cytogenetic and genomic analyses are available, along with infrastructures dedicated to studies in cellular biology, genetics, and epigenetics, as well as advanced imaging technologies.
Hardware and Software Resources
For computational activities, dedicated hardware infrastructures for scientific computing and data storage are available, including Linux workstations, desktop computers, servers, and high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
PhD students can use a wide range of software tools for bioinformatics and statistical analyses, genomic and sequencing data analysis, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations. Software for genomic variant interpretation, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data analysis, bioinformatics workflow management, and molecular visualization is also available.
Access to standard software is ensured through university campus licenses (e.g., Microsoft Office, MATLAB, and other tools available through the Sapienza Library System).
Clinical and Healthcare Facilities
PhD students have access to clinical and diagnostic facilities dedicated to Medical Genetics, including specialized outpatient clinics for genetic counseling and laboratories for molecular diagnostics, classical and molecular cytogenetics, forensic genetics, HLA typing, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
University and hospital healthcare facilities are also available at Policlinico Umberto I and at other affiliated healthcare institutions.
Libraries
PhD students can access the interdepartmental libraries of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Medicine and, more generally, all university libraries. Access to scientific journals and digital bibliographic resources is provided through the Sapienza Library System.
Funding and Research Support
PhD research activities are supported by funding from national and international competitive research projects obtained by members of the Academic Board (including PRIN, AIRC, funding from the Ministry of Health, university funding, and other research programs). PhD students may use funds from their supervisors’ projects to carry out the experimental and computational activities related to their research projects.
Some PhD scholarships are co-funded by external institutions, contributing to the support of research activities. In several cases, PhD students are also recipients of competitive university grants or research funding schemes, which further support their experimental work.
Student Support and Feedback System
Among the support tools available to PhD students, a feedback system has been implemented to collect comments, observations, and suggestions regarding training activities and program organization. This tool consists of an online form (Google Form), allowing students to submit feedback anonymously. The information collected serves as a valuable resource for monitoring and continuously improving the PhD program. The link to the form is shared with all PhD students.