Joint Doctoral Programme in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence: Foundations and Applications

Co-developed by
Call for Application: OPEN
Application Deadline: 21st August 2026

Overview

The PhD Programme in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence: Foundations and Applications is a joint initiative developed within the INGENIUM European University Alliance. It brings together the University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), Munster Technological University (Ireland), the University of Oviedo (Spain), Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (Romania), South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Finland), and the University of Skövde (Sweden). The programme provides an international and interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to the development of Artificial Intelligence technologies that are aligned with human values, needs, and capabilities.

The program focuses on:

  • Human-centred Artificial Intelligence, including trustworthy, explainable, transparent, fair, and responsible AI systems.
  • Advanced AI methodologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, optimization, multi-agent systems, knowledge representation, and data-driven approaches.
  • Human-AI interaction and interdisciplinary research integrating computer science with engineering, mathematics, cognitive science, psychology, biology, ethics, economics, and the social sciences.
  • AI applications addressing major societal challenges in areas such as healthcare, digital transformation, sustainability, public governance, democratic participation, and technological resilience.

Each university contributes complementary expertise:

  • Each partner university contributes complementary expertise through international co-supervision, doctoral courses, workshops, seminars, summer schools, mobility opportunities, and access to shared research infrastructures. Together, they provide an interdisciplinary environment spanning computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, economics, statistics, and psychology, supporting the development of responsible and human-centred Artificial Intelligence.

The PhD programme offers the opportunity to apply for a Double PhD degree awarded jointly by the University “G. d’Annunzio” (UdA) and Munster Technological University (MTU).

Additionally, participants can apply for an INGENIUM Certificate, endorsed by all partner institutions of the INGENIUM European University Alliance.

It prepares researchers capable of developing responsible Artificial Intelligence solutions with scientific excellence and societal impact, in line with the priorities of the European Research Area, the Digital Europe Programme, Horizon Europe, and the UN 2030 Agenda.

Details about the Joint doctoral programme

This interdisciplinary PhD programme is designed to educate researchers capable of developing Artificial Intelligence systems that are scientifically advanced, ethically grounded, and centred on human values. The programme combines excellence in AI research with international collaboration and interdisciplinary training.

Key Objectives:

  • Develop advanced expertise in Artificial Intelligence, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, optimization, automated reasoning, knowledge representation, and data-driven methodologies.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate AI systems that are transparent, trustworthy, explainable, fair, usable, and socially responsible.
  • Integrate computational approaches with perspectives from cognitive science, psychology, ethics, biology, medicine, economics, and the social sciences.
  • Promote interdisciplinary research addressing complex scientific and technological challenges through innovative AI solutions.
  • Develop critical competencies to assess the ethical, legal, and societal implications of Artificial Intelligence and contribute to responsible AI governance.
  • Foster international research collaboration through joint supervision, mobility, shared infrastructures, and cooperation with universities, research centres, industry, and public institutions.

The PhD programme prepares graduates for leadership positions in academia, research, industry, public institutions, and international organisations, with expertise in the design, development, governance, and application of responsible Artificial Intelligence.

Academia & Research: Graduates will pursue research and teaching careers in Artificial Intelligence, computer science, and interdisciplinary research, contributing to scientific innovation and international collaboration.

Industry & Innovation: They will be qualified for advanced R&D positions in AI, intelligent systems, robotics, digital transformation, data science, technology consulting, and AI-driven innovation across public and private sectors.

Public Institutions & International Organisations: Graduates may contribute to digital governance, AI regulation, public policy, and technological innovation within governmental bodies, international organisations, and regulatory agencies.

Healthcare, Sustainability & Society: They will develop AI-based solutions supporting healthcare, environmental sustainability, education, public services, and other sectors where intelligent technologies address major societal challenges.

Entrepreneurship & Consultancy: Graduates will also be equipped to create innovative start-ups, lead technology transfer initiatives, and provide strategic consultancy on the responsible adoption and governance of Artificial Intelligence.

2 positions offered by UdA (Italy)
2 positions offered by MTU (Ireland)

How to Apply

Given that the administrative headquarters is established at UdA, student recruitment shall be conducted following the procedures coordinated by the UdA Doctoral School:

For any other information or details, please contact gianpiero.monaco@unich.it

People

UdA:

  • Gianpiero Monaco, Coordinator
  • Christian Morbidoni
  • Filippo Petroni
  • Gianluca Amato
  • Luca Moscardelli
  • Marco Tommasi
  • Mariano Pierantozzi
  • Serena Doria

XAMK:

  • Stina Westman

    MTU:

    • Haithem Afli
    • Cemalettin Ozturk
    •  Francesca Bottacini
    • Bruno Andrade
    • Mohammed Hasanuzzaman

    HKA

    • Matthias Wölfel
    • Björn Hein
    • Jannik Strötgen

    UNIOVI

    • José Ramón Quevedo
    • José Ramón Villar
    • José Emilio Labra
    • Rubén Usamentiaga
    • Francisco Ortín

    TUIASI

    • Florin Leon
    • Robert-Gabriel Lupu
    • Constantin Florin Caruntu

    HIS

    • Juhee Bae
    • Maurice Lamb