PharmaTech Academy 2026–2027

The University of Naples Federico II is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 session of the PharmaTech Academy, an advanced training program developed in collaboration with the National Research Center Foundation for the Development of Gene Therapy and RNA-Based Drugs. The initiative aims to train highly qualified professionals to work across the entire spectrum of research, development, and production of RNA-based drugs and gene therapies—two of the most innovative and strategic sectors in modern medicine.

Applications for admission may be submitted until 2:00 p.m. on September 17, 2026, while the selection process will be completed by September 25, 2026. The training program is scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026.

Admission to the PharmaTech Academy will be based on a selection process involving an evaluation of academic credentials followed by an oral exam. During the interview, candidates’ academic background, personal motivation, cognitive, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as their proficiency in English, will be assessed.

The program is open—with no age or citizenship restrictions—to holders of master’s or specialist degrees in Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Chemical Sciences. Those who will earn their degree by October 31,2026,may also apply ; this is an essential requirement for confirming admission to the program.

The PharmaTech Academy represents a new training model based on the principle of “learning by doing,” which fosters close collaboration between universities and pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to integrate the skills acquired during university studies with practical experience and direct engagement with the industry, developing both specialized technical skills and the transferable skills increasingly sought after by the job market.

The curriculum is structured around three fundamental pillars. The first focuses on the development of soft skills, with activities dedicated to communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The second is dedicated to specialized training through two modules: the first focuses on the research and development of gene therapies and RNA-based drugs, while the second is dedicated to the manufacturing processes of RNA-based medicines. The third pillar consists of laboratory activities that will take place both at the high-tech facilities of the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs Based on RNA Technology and in the extended reality labs of the PharmaTech Academy, where students will be able to experiment with immersive technologies applied to scientific training.

To encourage participation from graduates with diverse academic backgrounds, the program also includes activities designed to align participants’ foundational skills, ensuring that all participants have the necessary knowledge to tackle the more specialized modules.

The program will last nine months, for a total of 1,200 hours of training, including lectures, online activities, practical exercises, group work, seminars, workshops, external events, and independent study. Part of the instruction will be conducted in English, underscoring the initiative’s international scope.

Activities will take place primarily at the Scampia Campus of the University of Naples Federico II, the Department of Pharmacy, and the offices of the National Center’s partner organizations. The program will conclude with a project placement at one of the National Center’s partner companies, typically lasting three months. In some cases, at the request of the participating companies, the project may be extended to up to six months, bringing the total duration of the training to twelve months.

The commitment required of participants will be particularly demanding: activities will take place five days a week, primarily on weekdays, averaging at least seven hours per day and, in some cases, including Saturday mornings. Attendance is mandatory for at least 85% of the scheduled hours.

The call for applications, the application form, and the selection criteria are available on the webpage.

​​​​​​The schedule of training activities will be published on the website before the program begins.