The Valorization Office supports PhD students and postdocs in developing both scientific and transferable skills. Through a dedicated soft skills training program and the SISSA Mentoring Program, early-career researchers receive practical tools and personalized guidance to grow professionally and explore diverse career paths, within and beyond academia.
SISSA is committed to helping its PhD students and postdoctoral researchers develop the transferable skills essential for a successful career in academia, industry, and beyond. Through a dedicated training program, the School offers courses and workshops on soft skills such as communication, project management, scientific writing, entrepreneurship, and teamwork.
These activities are primarily addressed to SISSA’s PhD students and postdocs. For details on eligibility and registration, please contact the designated course coordinator.
The Valorisation and Innovation Office coordinates the collection of these initiatives throughout the year. If you wish to propose or promote a soft skill activity, please contact valorisation@sissa.it
- SISSA Club Language courses (SISSA Club)
- Scientific programming: A crash course (Neuroscience Area)
- PATTERN Science Communication - Introduction to science communication (ILAS - UFRI - UCOM)
- PATTERN Science Communication - Writing for the Media (ILAS - UFRI - UCOM) Scientific writing and communication (Neuroscience Area)
- PATTERN Science Communication - Talking with the Media (ILAS - UFRI - UCOM)
- PATTERN Science Communication - Social media for scientists (ILAS - UFRI - UCOM)
- PATTERN Science Communication - Communicating with policymakers (ILAS - UFRI - UCOM)
- Peer-to-peer science Communication (Math Area and Medialab)
- How to make your presentation successful (Physics Ara)
The SISSA Mentoring Program is a structured yet flexible initiative designed to support PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in their personal and professional development. Through one-on-one, non-hierarchical relationships, the program connects early-career scientists with experienced professionals who provide tailored guidance, active listening, and a space for reflection outside the boundaries of formal supervision.
Mentoring is based on trust, empathy, and mutual growth. Unlike supervisors, mentors are not involved in the mentees’ research or evaluation, allowing for open, confidential dialogue focused on aspirations, challenges, and future goals. The program empowers mentees to reflect on their strengths and motivations, explore diverse career paths, and gain confidence in navigating complex decisions and transitions. Mentors, in turn, benefit from engaging with new perspectives and giving back to the academic community. Participation is voluntary for both mentors and mentees. The program is open to all PhD students and postdocs at SISSA, regardless of discipline. After an introductory training, mentees can select their preferred mentor from a curated pool of profiles, based on shared interests or personal goals.
MENTORS:
- Rosilari Bellacosa: PhD @ SISSA in Cognitive Neuroscience. Cofounder and R&D Director SynDiag
- Luca Caniparoli: PhD @ SISSA in Statistical Physics, Director of Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics at Acqua&Sapone
- Pin-Jane Nora Chen: PhD @ SISSA in Cognitive Neuroscience, Consultant at Fondazione Barilla
- Cristiano de Nobili: PhD @ SISSA in Statistical Physics, Lead AI at Pi School Pi Campus, Lecturer, Freelancer
- Roberto Della Marina: PhD in Physics, Venture Capitalist - Managing Partner at Obloo Srl and Venture Factory Srl
- Martha Fabbri: Master in Science Communication, Head of Center of Studies at Altroconsumo
- Riccardo Furlanetto: PhD degree in Energy and Chemistry Technologies, General Manager at IDM-srl and Consultant for generational handover
- Xiaochuan Giovanni Ge: PhD @ SISSA in Condensed Matter Physics. Research Scientist at Meta (Facebook)
- Uriel Luviano: PhD @ SISSA in Theoretical Particle Physics, Machine Learning Engineer at AISent
- Andrea Maiorana: PhD @ SISSA in Geometry and Mathematical Physics, Data Scientist at Bending Spoons
- Marco Morandotti: PhD @ SISSA in Applied Mathematics, Assistant Professor, Politecnico di Torino
- Luca Naso: PhD @ SISSA in Astrophysics, Data Innovation Manager at EHT + CEO at Koexai
- Andrea Oddo: PhD @ SISSA in Astroparticle Physics, Software Developer at OptionFactory
- Luciano Paz: SISSA Postdoc in Tactile Perception and Learning Lab, Principal Data Scientist at PyMC Labs
- Sebastiano Saccani: PhD @ SISSA in Theory and Numerical Simulation of the Condensed Matter, Cofounder and R&D lead at AIndo
- Manuela Santo: PhD @ SISSA in Structural and Functional Genomics, Scientist in iPSC Unit at Axxam S.p.A. Milano
- Federico Stivoli: PhD @ SISSA in Astrophysics, Head of Data Science at Fair Connect Group
- Tiziano Suran: PhD @ SISSA in Cognitive Neuroscience, Data Scientist at Mamacrowd
- Marco Bruni: PhD @ SISSA in Astrophysics, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth / INFN Sezione di Trieste, Italy
We are always scouting new mentors, for more information please write to valorisation@sissa.it