Doctorate in Anthropology

The aim of the doctoral programme is to strengthen and support researchers with regard to both content and methodology, equipping them for quality scientific work and an academic career. All components must be completed before students have permission to submit their theses. The programme is supervised by the IADC PhD coordinator.

The doctoral programme consists of the following elements:

1.   reporting your progress in the PhD programme through a digital research portfolio

This is compulsory. Tracking your progress as a researcher facilitates communication with your moderator and co-moderator and writing your research report.

2.  discussing the progress of your research on a regular basis with your moderator (moderatore) and co-moderator (censore)

A brief report of each meeting is compulsory and is added to the research portfolio. Regular communication with your moderator and co-moderator facilitates not only the supervision and guidance of your research but also timely responses to challenges and problems encountered in your research.

3.  annually reporting to the advisory committee about the progress of your research

The advisory committee generally meets once a year and advises the PhD candidate on the interdisciplinary and intercultural aspects of the PhD project. The advisory committee consists of the moderator, the co-moderator, and one or two two external members.

Structural follow-up of your research is essential to supporting your research process and preparing your dissertation defense. It is important that, in addition to your moderator and co-moderator, an equal number of external specialists accompany you throughout the entire doctoral process.

4.  following the compulsory methodological seminar and at least one seminar series or course component specifically organized for researchers, within or outside the Pontifical Gregorian University

Attending methodological seminars or other courses as a PhD candidate will aid you in further honing your research skills and will give you opportunities to interact with and learn from colleagues.

5.  giving at least one class for the students of the Licentiate in Safeguarding on an aspect related to your own research project

This is an opportunity to present the progress of your research, experience teaching in a classroom, and practice your pedagogical approach and didactic skills.

6.  writing at least one piece that can be published on the IADC website and actively participating in social media on aspects related to your own research project

Participating in the public debate on themes related to the Institute of Anthropology’s work is valuable for broadening your research interests, connecting those interests with other topics (researched by colleagues or outside academia, within the Church or society in general), and engaging in critical and constructive dialogue.

7.   writing at least one scientific publication after completing your PhD

Publishing your research is important for sharing your work and contributing to scientific progress in your field. Publications can take various forms, such as articles in scientific journals, contributions to a book, or conference proceedings (i.e., a collection of scientific papers published in the context of a conference).