PhD Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance (QA) in the Doctoral Programmes of the University of Padua is implemented in accordance with the ANVUR AVA 3 framework and the requirements of Ministerial Decree 226/2021, which mandates accredited institutions to adopt a structured system for the design, management, monitoring, and continuous improvement of doctoral training. The primary goal is to ensure a high-quality educational and research environment that supports the development of the doctoral candidates’ scientific, professional, and transversal skills, in line with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

Within this framework, each Doctoral Programme adopts transparent procedures for defining learning objectives and expected outcomes, plans and organizes appropriate educational and research activities consistent with its mission, monitors progress and results, and implements evidence-based improvements. Active engagement of doctoral candidates, academic staff, and the Doctoral Board is a key component of the QA cycle, together with ongoing interaction with the University Quality Assurance Office, the Internal Evaluation Group and the relevant institutional bodies.

Therefore, QA in the doctoral domain ensures rigorous and internationally recognisable training paths that fully respond to the needs of advanced research and society, supporting the continuous enhancement of the learning experience and the quality of the scientific outcomes produced.

Governance PhD AQ scheme

Advisory Board (Comitato Consuntivo)

  • Prof. Marco Borga - Course Coordinator
  • Prof. Emanuele Lingua - Coordinator of the Quality Assurance Process
  • Prof. Elena Pisani - Coordinator of the Research Commission
  • Prof. Laura Secco - Vice Course Coordinator and Coordinator of the Teaching Activities
  • Dr Gabriele Bertoldi - Provincia autonoma di Trento - Servizio Bacini Montani
  • Prof. Alberto Troccoli – Ceo Inside Climate Service
  • Dr. Marco Martini - PhD Students' Representative

The Advisory Board plays an advisory and guiding role with regard to the educational project of the PhD Programme and the identification of career opportunities. This advisory and guidance role is particularly significant during the activation phase of a new PhD Programme project and within the framework of Monitoring and Review activities.

The Board supports the Programme Coordinator in monitoring activities, also through the analysis of indicators provided by the relevant administrative office, and in listening to PhD candidates’ feedback (through opinion surveys, including tools for collecting opinions such as AlmaLaurea end-of-year and end-of-programme questionnaires).

The Advisory Board is chaired by the PhD Programme Coordinator or by a delegate and has the following minimum composition:

  • the Coordinator or a delegate;
  • three academic staff members belonging to the Board of the PhD Programme;
  • one representative of the PhD candidates;
  • at least two external stakeholders, also identified with the support of the Alumni Association.

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Documents