The PhD SST Days Conclude in Palermo

From June 19 to 21, the National PhD in Space Science and Technology (SST) Days took place in Palermo. The national event of the National PhD in Space Science and Technology was organized by the University of Palermo and INAF – Palermo Astronomical Observatory, with coordination by the University of Trento.

More than 80 PhD students from the first three cohorts – out of a total of about 140 enrolled – took part in the event, which was held at the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Engineering Faculty's Aula Magna. The event was an important opportunity for dialogue and exchange among students, professors, researchers, and industry professionals.

The SST PhD is a National PhD Program involving over 30 Italian universities and research institutions, coordinated by the University of Trento. It offers advanced, multidisciplinary training focused on the study and development of the space sector. The program is structured into different curricula that cover the entire space value chain, integrating scientific, technological, engineering, legal, and social expertise, with a strong international orientation.

The 2025 edition marked a significant milestone with the conclusion of the first three-year cycle. For the first time, individual interviews were organized between graduating PhD students and some of the leading companies in the sector, including Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space Italia, Telespazio, Avio, Officina Stellare, Blue Skies Space, and Egeos. This was a groundbreaking initiative for a PhD program, aimed at strengthening the connection between advanced education and the industrial world. In this spirit, one of the most significant moments of the three-day event was the panel discussion between academia and industry, moderated by Professor Alessandro Busacca from the University of Palermo. It was an important opportunity for PhD students to learn about industry realities, such as the SpaceIt Up project—a strategic partnership supporting innovation and technological development in space—and the emerging Aerospace District of Sicily, a new technology hub that will foster collaboration among research institutions, universities, and companies.

The event featured a mix of scientific presentations, poster sessions, and networking opportunities, and also included visits to the INAF laboratories in Palermo and the GAL Hassin International Center for Astronomical Sciences in Isnello, in the heart of the Madonie mountains. This center is an important facility for education, outreach, and research, and will soon host the ESA Flyeye telescope.

"The space sector in Italy involves about 300 companies and 7,000 employees, with steady growth," said Roberto Battiston, Professor at the University of Trento and  Cordinator of the National SST PhD program. "It is essential to offer young researchers not only a solid scientific education but also opportunities for direct dialogue with industry. With this edition, we have taken an important step toward an integrated ecosystem of universities, research, and industry that we hope will continue to grow in the coming years."

The event also marked the official opening of the call for applications for the 41st PhD cycle, with enrollment open until July 16. The program is thus preparing to welcome new students, ready to contribute to the development of the space sector with scientific, technical, and interdisciplinary skills.

Link to the call: https://www.unitn.it/en/phd/space-science-and-technology-sst-national-doctoral-programme 

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