Introduction
The Ph.D. program in Data Analytics and Decision Sciences (DADS) aims at training highly qualified senior data analysts and data managers capable of carrying out research at universities, international institutions, tech and financial companies, regulatory authorities, and other public bodies.
The program stems from the cooperation between three departments: Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria (DEIB), Dipartimento di Ingegneria Gestionale (DIG), Dipartimento di Matematica (DMAT), and the Center for Health Data Science at Human Technopole. It allows the enrolled students to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment with strong connections to international research centers and private companies. The program provides successful candidates with the opportunity to acquire a high degree of professional expertise in specific scientific and technological fields.
The program lasts three years: upon its successful completion and final exam, candidates will be awarded the title of Ph.D. in Data Analytics and Decision Sciences. The first year is devoted to the courses that build the broad competence and the strong interdisciplinary set of skills required by data analytics. The next two years focus on the development of the Doctoral thesis. Students are required to spend at least one semester in a research in- institution abroad, taking advantage of the network of international collaborations of the three departments involved in the program.
All the students enrolled in the DADS Doctoral Program are supported by scholarships from public institutions and private companies. A call for application to Ph.D. positions and scholarships is issued around April (see http://www.dottorato.polimi.it/en/looking-for-a-ph- d/call-for-positions-and-scholarships/ for more details).
Research
PhD students will choose a main topic for their research, which is to be carried out under the guidance of a scientific advisor. This topic leads to the Doctoral thesis, whose results will normally be presented at international congresses and in journal papers. The research activity produces also the Doctoral Thesis, finalized in the whole third year.
At the beginning of their studies, PhD students will be offered counseling by a tutor, who will support them during their activity, helping to solve possible problems.
Scientific activities in the field of data science are distributed along several areas covered by the members of the PhD board and by several faculty members in each department involved in this PhD program.
Research and study activity is mainly individual, but students are strongly encouraged to join a research group. Projects are supported by external funding by companies or research programs by the European Community, or other research agencies. Many projects are carried out jointly with other European institutions or companies.
All PhD students are granted the necessary resources (PC, connection to the internet, scientific computing and library services, etc.) to carry out their activity and access to scientific papers and specialized documentation from local and international data bases.
PhD students may take part in schools and congresses and visit other research centers both in Italy and abroad, even for an extended period of time (up to 18th months).
Education and courses
The PhD program comprises courses attendance and research activities. Candidates must earn a minimum of 30 course credits while conducting studies and research. During the first year the students must complete the three characterizing courses listed here that paramount to 15 credits. By the end of the second year, candidates must earn 10 credits by completing courses organized by the PhD School of Politecnico di Milano aiming to train the PhD candidates in soft and transferable skills. The remaining 5 credits can be obtained by attending courses from other PhD programs of Politecnico di Milano or by attending international summer/winter schools.
Should it be necessary to fill in any gap from their previous training, PhD students may follow preparatory courses, which are normally chosen among the wide choice of graduate courses in Information Technology offered at Politecnico di Milano.