Università del Salento (University of Salento, UNISALENTO), Italy, has opened applications for its Fully Funded PhD in Sciences for Cultural Heritage (42nd Cycle). The doctoral programme offers five positions, including four funded fellowships supported by the university and partner organisations. Successful candidates will undertake advanced research in cultural heritage while contributing to an interdisciplinary doctoral programme in Lecce.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD in Sciences for Cultural Heritage (42nd Cycle)
- Institution: Università del Salento, Italy
- Programme: Sciences for Cultural Heritage
- Research Field: Cultural Studies
- Researcher Profiles: R1, R2, R3 and R4
- Location: Lecce, Italy
- Number of Positions: 5
- Funded Fellowships: 4
- Position Without Fellowship: 1
- Contract Type: To be defined
- Application Deadline: 5 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)
About the PhD Programme
The PhD in Sciences for Cultural Heritage at Università del Salento supports advanced doctoral research across cultural heritage disciplines through a structured academic programme. Doctoral candidates will undertake independent research while participating in the university’s research community and contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship in cultural heritage.
The competition offers five PhD positions, allocated through a single selection process based on the final ranking and the funding available. The positions include both university-funded fellowships and topic-specific fellowships supported by external partners.
The available positions are as follows:
- Total PhD positions: 5
- Positions allocated through the general ranking: 3
- 2 funded fellowships financed by Università del Salento
- 1 position without a fellowship
- Topic-specific funded fellowships: 2
- Topic 1: One fellowship funded through the An-LAI School Project (Università del Salento – Northwest University School of Cultural Heritage) (CUP: F82J26000110005)
- Topic 2: One fellowship funded by Novatest S.r.l.
Research Focus
The PhD in Cultural Heritage in Italy supports interdisciplinary research across the following areas:
- Sciences for Cultural Heritage
- Cultural Heritage
- Heritage Science
- Cultural Studies
Applicants must satisfy the admission and eligibility requirements specified in the official doctoral competition notice before submitting an application.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Meet the admission requirements established by Università del Salento.
- Submit a complete application before the deadline.
- Fulfil the eligibility criteria specified in the official call.
Preferred Qualifications
- Academic background relevant to cultural heritage or cultural studies.
- Interest in interdisciplinary heritage research.
- Ability to undertake independent doctoral research.
During the doctoral programme, successful candidates will contribute to research activities through the following responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct doctoral research in Sciences for Cultural Heritage.
- Complete the research activities required by the PhD programme.
- Participate in academic and research training.
- Develop an original doctoral research project.
- Meet the programme regulations established by the university.
- Contribute to research within the funded doctoral project where applicable.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official Università del Salento online application system before the published deadline. Applicants should carefully read the complete doctoral call to confirm eligibility requirements and submission procedures.
Required Documents: Applicants should prepare the documents required in the official doctoral call before submitting their application
- Completed online application
- Academic qualifications as required
- Supporting documents specified in the official call
- Any additional documents requested by the university
Why Apply?
This doctoral programme provides opportunities to undertake independent research in cultural heritage while joining an established academic research environment in Italy. Successful applicants may receive university or partner-funded fellowships and contribute to interdisciplinary research within the Sciences for Cultural Heritage programme.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 10 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 5 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Applications close on 5 August 2026 (23:59 UTC). Click “Apply Now” to review the official call, funding details, eligibility requirements, and application procedure before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
- Cultural Heritage Research Positions
- Global Doctoral Research Opportunities
- Academic Jobs in Italy
- Humanities Academic Jobs
Institutional Overview
Università del Salento (University of Salento, UNISALENTO) is a public research university in Lecce, Italy. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across the humanities, sciences, engineering, social sciences, and cultural heritage. It supports multidisciplinary research through national and international collaborations while participating in European research initiatives. With modern teaching facilities, specialist laboratories, and an inclusive academic environment, Università del Salento provides opportunities for students and researchers across a wide range of disciplines. Its commitment to research, teaching, and international engagement has established it as a recognised institution for higher education and academic research in Italy.
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