New Call for GSSI PhD Applications 2026/27 now open

38 scholarships for the new GSSI Phd Call

The Gran Sasso Science Institute has published the new call for applications for the forty-second cycle of PhDs. For the next academic year, which will officially begin on 1 November, 2026, GSSI is offering further 38 scholarships for doctoral programs in Astroparticle Physics, Computer Science, and Regional Science & Economic Geography.

The positions are among the four four-year academic Programmes: 13 for Astroparticle Physics, 15 for Computer Science, 10 for Regional Science and Economic Geography.  The PhD program in Mathematics in Natural, Social and Life Sciences has already opened 10 positions in November 2025: further available positions will be announced on March 31.

The new doctoral students will join the 188 already in L'Aquila. The GSSI, established after the earthquake, has 80 professors and researchers and over 50 post-docs. Since 2012, the institute has awarded over 230 ‘Philosophiae Doctor’ (Ph.D.) degrees.
The new call for applications envisages a gross annual scholarship of €16,243, accommodation in the GSSI facilities or a substitute grant, board and other benefits. The application for admission must be filled out exclusively using the online procedure available on the GSSI website at https://applications.gssi.it/. Applications received by other means will not be accepted.

The application deadlines are as follows:

• May 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM (CEST) for positions in Regional Science and Economic Geography and for the single Computer Science position related to the FIS project "A Robust Theory of Distributed Computation";
• May 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM (CEST) for positions in Mathematics in Natural, Social and Life Sciences.
• May 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM (CEST) for positions in Astroparticle Physics;
• June 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM (CEST) for positions in Computer Science.

The GSSI-Gran Sasso Science Institute is an international PhD school and a center for research and higher education in the areas of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Social Sciences. Founded in 2012 in L’Aquila (Italy) as Center for Advanced Studies of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and then established in March 2016 as a School of Advanced Studies providing post-graduate education. Through a day-to-day collaboration and interaction, researchers and students have the opportunity to build a sound knowledge of the research methods and to experiment contamination of interests, innovative approaches and multicultural exchanges in all the GSSI activities. In addressing the complexity of today’s world, GSSI is committed to removing all barriers between its areas of study and research. The dissemination of scientific results towards society and the promotion of cultural events for generic public, citizens and schools are among GSSI goals. The doctoral school of L'Aquila celebrated ten years of activity with the inauguration of the academic year early this January and continues its journey in the wake of its strong international vocation. With over 170 students, almost half of whom comes from worldwide, and nearly one hundred of academic staff, it offers a dynamic environment and collaborations with numerous prestigious scientific institutions in Europe and around the world.

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What to expect from a PhD at GSSI?