Frontier Research
Luiss has always supported research projects that help expand and deepen the wealth of knowledge in the core disciplines of its educational offering. From economics to law, from political science to sociology, through to management, history, and the latest frontiers of artificial intelligence, basic research forms the backbone of the University’s scientific activity.
Developed within the seven Departments, this activity aims not only to produce theoretical advancements, but also to generate interdisciplinary connections and train new generations of scholars capable of interpreting the transformations of contemporary society.
For this reason, each Department offers a PhD programme – the third cycle of university education – designed to provide the highest level of academic training. This encompasses both the disciplinary and research areas specific to the Department and the research skills that a PhD holder must possess upon completion of the degree.
How research is organised within the Departments
The University is structured into seven Departments, each focusing on a specific subject area and engaged in research spanning artificial intelligence, data science, finance, law, management, and the analysis of contemporary political and social phenomena.
Each Department is led by a Head who coordinates scientific activities and ensures the Quality Assurance system, supported by a Research and Third Mission Delegate. Along with other faculty members, these individuals form the Review Group, which is responsible for monitoring and continuous improvement.
All research and Third Mission activities are planned, monitored, and evaluated annually through the SUA-R/TM – the Single Annual Report for Research and the Third Mission.
Basic research is also driven by the contributions of doctoral students enrolled in the Department's PhD programme. Although it is an educational programme and therefore a teaching activity, Luiss has chosen to place the design of doctoral training within the relevant Department, while management remains the responsibility of the Teaching Office. This is because doctoral training combines the transfer of the most advanced knowledge in the Department’s disciplinary areas with the acquisition of technical research skills in line with the highest international standards.
Doctorates
Luiss PhD programmes produce international scholars, supported by grants, mentoring, and mobility opportunities, with courses accredited to national and European quality standards.
Research contracts
Luiss offers numerous open positions for postdoctoral researchers on fixed-term contracts, aimed at supporting and developing research activities promoted by the University. These opportunities are also part of nationally and internationally funded projects, enabling young scholars to actively contribute to scientific progress and collaborate within a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.
To view all open positions for research contracts, visit the dedicated page.
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