Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in AgroFutura

Integrated Models for the Sustainable and Digital Transition of Agri-Food Chains

🏛️ Institution

Prisca Sapientia Institute
Zurich, Switzerland – with an international academic mission
CHE-316.608.522 | www.priscasapientia.university

⏳ Duration and Level

Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
EQF Level: 8 – Doctoral Level
Credits: 180 ECTS
Language: Italian and English
Delivery Mode: Online

🎯 Educational Objectives

The Ph.D. in AgroFutura trains high-level researchers, professionals, and policy experts in agri-food sustainability, governance, and digital innovation.

The program focuses on:

• EU and global agri-food policy
• Climate adaptation and ecological transition
• AI, blockchain, and traceability in agriculture
• Food supply chain and sustainability
• Law, governance, and multilateral cooperation

🧑‍🏫 Scientific Coordinator

Hon. Prof. Dario Nardella – European Parliament
In collaboration with leading experts and institutions, including:

• FAO
• EU Commission and Parliament
• Academic researchers and government officials

📘 First-Year Lectures Overview

Selected Lecturers and Topics:

• Hon. Dario Nardella – The construction of the Common Agricultural Policy between Commission, Council and Parliament
• Hon. Maurizio Martina (FAO) – Agriculture and international multilateralism
• Prof. Paolo De Castro – Value chain policies in the European agri-food sector
• Dr. Antonella Rossetti (EU Commission) – Agriculture and the European ecological transition
• Prof. Simone Orlandini – Climate adaptation and global agricultural models
• Hon. Herbert Dorfmann (EP AGRI Committee) – Rural development in the European system
• Minister Luis Planas (TBC) – The role of the European Council and the Spanish contribution to the CAP
• Dr. Sandra Gallina (DG SANTE) – Food safety in Europe: models, rules, policies

📚 Core Textbooks

(as listed in the attached official syllabus): to buy

Title	Author(s)	Publisher	Year
The Agricultural Law of the EU	René Barents	Kluwer Law	2022
The Politics of Land and Food Scarcity	De Castro et al.	Routledge	2012
Blockchain and the Future of Food	Bruhn & Brewster	Springer	2022
The Digital Agricultural Revolution	Rose & Scott	Cambridge	2023
Agri-Food Supply Chain Management	Accorsi & Manzini	Springer	2019

📝 Admission Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Law, Political Science, Environmental Sciences, or related fields
• Professional experience in agri-food or sustainability sectors (preferred)
• B2-level English proficiency
• Updated CV and motivation letter
• Preliminary research proposal (max 2 pages)

💻 Learning Platform and Materials

The course is delivered via Prisca’s LMS platform, with:

• Recorded and live video lectures
• Readings and official documents
• Self-assessment quizzes and assignments
• Final thesis and online defense

🧪 Final Thesis

Each doctoral candidate will produce a research dissertation on a relevant topic within the themes of sustainable agriculture, food policy, digital innovation, or environmental governance. The thesis will be supervised by faculty and defended before an international committee.

📅 Academic Calendar

Start Date: Open access (students may enroll anytime upon acceptance)
Duration: 36 months
Defense: Flexible scheduling within the third year

💰 Tuition and Financial Support

• Annual tuition: €2,500
• Installment plans available
• Partial scholarships for eligible candidates

📞 Contact

Admissions Office

📧 admissions@priscasapientia.university

course office

📧 segreteria.agrofutura@priscasapientia.university

Academic Secretariat – Prisca Sapientia Institute

📧 secretariat@priscasapientia.university
🌐 www.priscasapientia.university
📞 +41 76 796 6143

📚 Core Textbooks – Ph.D. in AgroFutura

Prisca Sapientia Institute – Zurich, Switzerland
Integrated Models for the Sustainable and Digital Transition of Agri-Food Chains

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📘 Required Textbooks – First Year

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