The UPF PhD program on ICT at DTIC-UPF offers advanced training in a broad range of topics in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This is an innovative program, unique in Catalonia and Spain in terms of its content, which aims to provide a bridge between various disciplines in this field, like computational biology and biomedical systems, multimedia technologies, networks and communications, computation and intelligent systems, and brain and cognition. The training during the program combines actions that build on the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research in ICTs, which advanced training in domain specific aspects. DTIC was the first university department in ICT recognized with the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence distinction (2016 - 2020), recognizing learning international centres in research and advanced training, and the first one in getting the distinction revalidated (ongoing, for the period 2023-26).
Structured training activities:
The environment has a structured program for training activities along the duration of the PhD, that complements the research of each individual student.
Year 1 - Compulsory PhD seminars: Regular series of seminars, taking place both onsite and asynchronously, to accommodate for the different realities of the DTIC-UPF community of early-stage researchers. The seminars are composed by seminars organized by DTIC-UPF, courses promoted by the UPF Doctorate School, and external providers. They transcend the methods of each area to provide an interdisciplinary perspective. A main focus is on non-technical skills required to conduct research projects and work in international teams, as a critical dimension of becoming an independent researcher. As a final outcome, students develop a career development plan during their studies, which is assessed together with their research proposal at the end of the first year. Topics covered in these seminars include:
Year 2 - DTIC PhD Workshop: Annual PhD Workshop, where DTIC’s PhD students share their research with internal and external attendees, including invited outer institutions. The formats across the different editions have been poster sessions and video presentations in 3-minute pitches (new format promoted by the limitations established by the pandemics). The objective of the workshop is to let students practise and improve the presentation of their initial results and plan, as well as to interact with other scientists in their discussion. Their participation is complemented with additional training, and the support to participate in external contests, such as “Research in 4 minutes”. PhD students can also participate in its organizing committee, as well as in the committees for the different awards offered (over the years, they have included best presentation, best open science principles, best technology transfer potential, or best interdisciplinary work)..
Year 3 - Unlocking the value of your research: basics of open science, tech transfer, and entrepreneurship. During the 3rd year, PhD students participate in this new training, focused on a review of basic concepts of legal protection, licensing, exploitation and reuse for R&D results (Open Science, Industrial Licenses, Entrepreneurship), and then apply this framework to their own research results, exploring and distinguishing the options for their own interests.
Complementary training actions: