The curriculum aims to train highly qualified researchers in different yet related disciplines, integrating and completing them. It is therefore primarily intended for anatomical pathologists, molecular pathologists, biologists, molecular biologists, clinicians and clinical oncologists, providing basic and translational molecular skills and substantial clinical expertise to support innovative and relevant research.

The scientific training of the PhD candidates is particularly focused on the study of the morphology, phenotype and genotype of diseases and on the role these play in the development, prognosis and surgical or pharmacological treatment of those diseases. The study of these specific areas will be closely linked to the development and application of new technologies and new diagnostic techniques such as next-generation sequencing, extended sequencing and gene expression analysis.

A key strength of the curriculum is the implementation and development of multidisciplinary research, with the aim of building a common target entirely centred on the disease and on the patient, in all its aspects.

The programme of lectures and seminars is delivered by members of the Academic Board and complemented by experts from national and international institutions and from the technological and pharmaceutical industries.

The scientific training pathway is based on experimental work carried out in the laboratories and facilities of the proposing Department under the supervision of a Tutor. Collaborations with high-level research centres, both national and international, are strongly encouraged, with the aim of training researchers capable of playing a significant role in the national and international scientific landscape.