Phd in INNOVATIVE BIOTECH SOLUTIONS FOR SENSORY ORGANS
DISEASES

Educational goals and objectives

INNOVATIVE BIOTECH SOLUTIONS FOR SENSE ORGAN DISEASES

The aim of the Research Doctorate is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of innovative technologies and their application through a translational approach, bringing together the various specialties involved in the study of sense organ diseases including applied medical and surgical sciences and biomedical research. The approach to the study of ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngological diseases has substantially changed in the recent years due to the availability of novel diagnostic modalities, medical therapies and surgical techniques. Specifically, in the field of eye diseases, the recent introduction of innovative therapies such as the use of nerve growth factor for the treatment of challenging diseases lacking effective treatment. In addition, the use of ex vivo limbal stem cells has recently been approved for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. The introduction of novel biomaterials combined with minimally invasive surgical techniques, is also improving the outcome of cataract and glaucoma. Finally, the increasing investigation on novel corneal and retinal prostheses opens up new perspectives for interdisciplinary study and treatment of orphan diseases. In the field of otorhinolaryngology, the last few years have seen the use of robotic technology for increasingly precise surgical procedures, the introduction of personalised medicine and immunotherapy in head and neck cancer, the development of hearing aids and technologically advanced and miniaturised cochlear implants, and the use of monoclonal therapies in rhinosinusal diseases. Given the multidisciplinary nature of this approach, it is therefore necessary to have a course able to provide students with a unifying vision of the etiopathogenetic and therapeutic mechanisms involved in the development of sense organ diseases. TRAINING OBJECTIVES: 1. Research activity within an interdisciplinary group aimed at the development of a specific project; 2. Acquisition of advanced skills on the methods to be used for the achievement of specific research objectives; 3. Acquisition of methodological skills on basic research techniques and cellular and animal models; 4. Acquisition of methodological skills on surgical techniques; 5. Acquisition of theoretical knowledge on innovative results in the field of research; 6. Acquisition of ability to share research results and discuss the content of scientific articles; 7. Acquisition of theoretical knowledge on the potential use of artificial intelligence and big data in the field of ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology.