The Gran Sasso Science Institute, a public, research-intensive university dedicated to doctoral education in L’Aquila, Italy, has advertised 12 fully funded doctoral positions in its 4-year English-taught PhD programme in Regional Science & Economic Geography. The programme offers training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods in economic geography and regional studies.

Deadline: 23 May, 2025

L’Aquila is a mid-size historical town in central Italy, surrounded by mountains in a largely unspoiled natural environment. It is the capital city of the Abruzzo region. Rome can be reached from L’Aquila in about one hour and half by bus.

Here is the programme’s official statement:

The Ph.D. program in “Regional Science and Economic Geography” is a cutting-edge and interdisciplinary program designed to explore the intricate relationship between space and socioeconomic phenomena, by employing mixed methods and interdisciplinary approaches. This Ph.D. program equips students with the skills to offer evidence-based policy recommendations, rooted in robust empirical findings and established causal relationships, and fosters research in economic and/or human geography. It aims to address the challenges posed by globalization, urbanization, climate change, and development by fostering a deeper understanding of these processes. We welcome students with different backgrounds, including (but not limited to) applied economics, economic and/or human geography, or sociology, who share an interest in these issues.

The PhD Programme lasts four years. The Academic Year will start on November 1st, 2025. The GSSI awards scholarships until the thesis dissertation and for a maximum of four years. The yearly gross amount of the scholarship is € 16.243,00. An additional 50% on a monthly basis can be awarded for research periods abroad if approved by the GSSI. During their first year, PhD students will be offered free accomodation by the GSSI. In the remaining three years they will receive from the university a contribution to their housing costs.

PhD students will participate in the department’s interdisciplinary research tracks along with faculty members.

All details related to this call can be found here.

* Students with interests in critical and heterodox regional studies and economic geographies are encouraged to apply *