Joint Doctoral Programme in Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing

Co-developed by
Call for Application: OPEN
Application Deadline: 20th August 2025

Overview

The PhD programme “Innovative Strategies for Wellbeing” is a joint initiative by the University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), Munster Technological University (Ireland), and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. It is part of the Joint Educational Offer of the INGENIUM European University Alliance. This interdisciplinary, technology-driven doctoral programme is designed to train researchers capable of addressing emerging global challenges in physical and mental wellbeing, public health, and prevention.

The program focuses on:

  • The exposome, lifetime environmental exposures, and their biological and behavioral effects.
  • Use of wearables, biomarkers, omics, and AI to collect real-time data and develop personalized risk and resilience profiles.
  • Understanding stress, resilience, and lifestyle through interactions between biological, environmental and psychological factors.

Each university contributes unique strengths:

  • UdA: Psychological, Neurophysiological, and Biological aspects of wellbeing.
  • MTU: Development of sensors, IoT systems, and AI for data analysis.
  • XAMK: Environmental and behavioral interventions, especially using nature and immersive technologies.

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 ten partner institutions of the INGENIUM European University Alliance.

The programme features international co-supervision, mobility, and access to advanced labs through research stays at partner universities. With strong ties to industry and healthcare, it prepares scientists to transform preventive care and improve quality of life through personalized, evidence-based approaches, in line with the 2030 Agenda and Horizon Europe.

Details about the Joint doctoral programme

This interdisciplinary PhD program is designed to train researchers capable of promoting physical and mental wellbeing through innovative, evidence-based, and personalized strategies. It is aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, Horizon Europe, and national research priorities.

Key Objectives:

  • Integrate knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, omics sciences, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies to advance a comprehensive understanding of human wellbeing.
  • Design data-driven studies using wearable devices, sensor technologies, and digital platforms to monitor real-life psychological, cognitive, and physiological processes.
  • Develop predictive models and personalized interventions through AI and machine learning to support mental health and adaptive functioning.
  • Enable early detection and precision prevention by leveraging cognitive, psychological, neurophysiological markers, along with biomarkers and omics data.
  • Evaluate and implement innovative interventions—such as digital therapeutics, biofeedback, immersive environments, and behavioral strategies—to enhance emotional, cognitive, and social wellbeing.
  • Promote translational research and international collaboration, ensuring that solutions are scalable, sustainable, and impactful across diverse populations.

The PhD program prepares graduates for leadership roles across academia, industry, healthcare, and public policy, focusing on innovative solutions for mental and physical wellbeing.

  • Academia & Research: Graduates will lead interdisciplinary research in neurophysiology, biosensors, AI, and wearable tech, contributing to scientific advancements and academic education.
  • Industry: They are qualified for roles in technological innovation, particularly in developing health-related devices, IoT systems, and wellbeing software, with high demand for their AI and data analysis skills.
  • Healthcare: They may work in hospitals and research institutions, developing personalized, preventive health solutions and contributing to evidence-based policy.
  • Public Policy & International Organizations: Graduates can work with governments or global bodies like WHO to shape health policies and implement solutions in developing countries.
  • Education & Consultancy: They may also design university or professional training programs and offer expert consultancy in health innovation and data management.

2 positions offered by UdA (Italy)
1 position offered by MTU (Ireland)
1 position offered by XAMK (Finland)

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 francesca.ferri@unich.it

People

UdA:

  • Francesca Ferri, Coordinator
  • Marcello Costantini
  • Mirko Pesce
  • Daniela Cardone
  • Claudia Rossi
  • Antonio Capalbo
  • Laura Marzetti
  • Melania Dovizio
  • Francesca Scozzari

    XAMK:

    • Sussanne Kumpulainen
    • Arto Pesola

      MTU:

      • Niall Smith
      • Susan Rea
      • Ted Scully
      • Haithem Afli
      • George O Mahony
      • Juan Francisco Martinez
      • Siobhan Mac Sweeney
      • Hugh Mc Glynn
      • Sean Mc Sweeney