The PhD programme in Technologies for Fundamental Research in Physics and Astrophysics aims to provide a multidisciplinary pathway on technologies essential to fundamental research. The implementation of major scientific projects in Physics and Astrophysics has long relied on fruitful collaboration between research institutes and universities, extending well beyond the boundaries of Physics departments. Technological developments have encouraged strong interactions with Engineering and other technological departments, which have offered valuable contributions through their specific expertise, while at the same time benefiting from involvement in cutting-edge developments promoted by broad national and international scientific communities.

The growing importance of technological expertise has led research institutions to introduce, alongside the role of researcher, the role of technologist, who works closely with researchers and shares similar career prospects. Recently, Law 79/2022 introduced and regulated the permanent technologist position within universities as well. However, while researchers are trained within their respective disciplinary PhD programmes, the training of technologists for scientific projects outside the field of Engineering requires pathways that combine technological specialisation and research with applications in sectors and problems entirely new to the student.

The increasing demand within industry for professionals capable of supporting technological development—both to meet the growing complexity of scientific instrumentation and to manage industrial transfer for civilian applications—calls for the creation of a professional figure able to communicate effectively with both the research and industrial worlds.

To address this need, the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) are promoting the establishment of the PhD programme in Technologies for Fundamental Research in Physics and Astrophysics. The programme mainly targets newly graduated engineers or computer scientists, offering multidisciplinary training aimed at preparing young, highly qualified researchers and technologists equipped with technological and engineering skills that are essential to experimental fundamental research. These skills are crucial in meeting the ongoing need for innovative and effective solutions that enable advancements in Physics and Astrophysics research.

The proposed PhD programme, structured into five curricula, provides complementary and multidisciplinary training across all areas that experimental research in Physics and Astrophysics relies upon.

The primary goal of the programme is therefore to train future professionals in technological fields with a multidisciplinary perspective, capable of addressing frontier-level experimental challenges with innovative and effective solutions. The trained PhD graduates will be able to act as key players and, in close collaboration with physicists and astronomers, guide technological development through roles in design, coordination, and management, both in academia and in industry.

The strongly trans- and multidisciplinary nature of the doctoral programme, along with interaction among doctoral candidates with diverse backgrounds and training, will contribute to forming future professionals capable of tackling frontier research challenges—including methodological and procedural aspects—with an integrated and versatile approach.

Finally, an additional goal of the PhD programme is to strengthen existing synergies among participating universities and research institutions, thereby increasing international competitiveness and becoming a hub of attraction for students with technological backgrounds from around the world.