Training

IBF's research scientists are strongly committed to the training of young researchers. About 35 PhD students were supervised by IBF staff in the four-year period from 2011 to 2014. A similar number of undergraduate students were co-tutored by IBF staff during their final thesis work. The IBF division in Milan, in particular, shares common premises with the Biology Department at Milan University and therefore plays a leading role in undergraduate and post-graduate research training.
Post-doctoral research training is also offered at IBF within the scope of applied research projects funded by national and international organizations. On average, around 15-20 post-doc research scientists collaborate with IBF each year, often in the stimulating environment provided by international partnerships. In addition, scholarships for newly graduated students are occasionally available within given projects.
Exchanges funded under mobility and training programmes of various kinds have taken place over the years at all IBF divisions, thus ensuring both inbound and outbound training opportunities for young researchers. The majority of IBF's Associate Scientists are university lecturers, which results in numerous opportunities for university students to be introduced to research activities typical of IBF. Moreover, many IBF research scientists are directly involved in academic lecturing and doctoral programme boards. In the four year period from 2011 to 2014, several IBF scientists held university courses in a number of subjects, ranging from plant physiology and ion transport to chemical oceanography and cybernetics. IBF research scientists are also active in co-organizing specialized training schools and workshops in order to promote knowledge transfer to young researchers.