The University of Lugano, Switzerland invites applications for the PhD program in Informatics. The new Faculty of Informatics, founded in October 2004, provides an exciting environment in which to develop a research career. The successful student will gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the general field of informatics, as well as an in-depth specialization in an area of interest. Working with one or more members of the Faculty, the student will contribute original, useful, and scientifically valid ideas in their chosen area of research. In addition, the student will have an opportunity to participate in the educational mission of the Faculty. Current reserach interests of the Faculty include all aspects of distributed systems, software engineering, networking, and security. These research interests will rapidly expand as the Faculty doubles in size over the next two years. Construction of a state-of-the-art building to house the Faculty of Informatics will begin later this year. Lugano is a beautiful city situated in southern Switzerland, an hour away from Milan.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive. Applicants are admitted based on their research interests and experience, potential for success in the program, and compatibility with current needs of the Faculty.

The official language of the Ph.D. program is English.

In order to be admitted, the applicant must have completed a Masters degree in computer science, informatics, or a closely related field prior to joining the program.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. program are reviewed three times per year. Admission is typically for the Winter semester (commencing in October).

Students must complete their applications to arrive on or before the appropriate deadline, and will be notified of acceptance or rejection by the approximate notification date.

The application for admission to the Informatics Ph.D. program consists of the following completed materials.

• General USI Ph.D. application
• At least one (but preferably two) letter(s) of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities (e.g., a thesis advisor). Please note that the letter of recommendation must be sent by the recommender under separate cover.
• A one- or two-page statement of purpose, written in English by the applicant, describing: the applicant’s motivation for obtaining a Ph.D. degree; how the applicant acquired fluency in English; any particular research interests; any prior research experience; reason for applying to the USI program; and current plans for a professional career after obtaining the Ph.D. degree.

Completed application materials should be mailed to the following address.

Ph.D. Admissions
Faculty of Informatics
University of Lugano
Via G. Buffi 13
6904 Lugano, Switzerland

Financial Assistance
Most students in the Ph.D. program are supported as assistants. The support covers tuition and provides a stipend. Responsibilities of assistants include both teaching and research duties. Generally students receive support as long as funds are available and the student is making adequate progress through the program (as described in the regulations).

Questions?
Please contact Ms. Laura Harbaugh (laura.harbaugh@lu.unisi.ch) for further information on the Ph.D. program and admission process.

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