The educational program of the PhD in Mechanical and Energy Engineering aims to train highly specialized profiles capable of meeting the increasingly demanding requirements of both the academic and industrial worlds. For this reason, it is essential to combine specific preparation in engineering and mathematical sciences with intensive study and research experience. The future PhD graduate will be prepared to pursue careers and industrial paths in close contact with cutting-edge technologies, responding effectively to the demand for innovation and research in Italy, in Europe, and worldwide.

This is achieved through the completion of 60 credits of teaching activities, preferably to be completed within the first two years of the program, and 120 credits of research activities. The program provides training aimed at acquiring a methodology for carrying out research activities, with general aspects overseen by the Doctoral School, and specialized training on innovative scientific topics specific to the program. Particular attention will also be paid to issues of technology transfer given the close connection with the industrial world.

The Faculty Board identifies a personalized training pathway for each doctoral student. Each doctoral student must attend and pass, with a grade not lower than 27/30, at least 18 credits chosen from among the courses identified by the Faculty Board at the beginning of the cycle and those proposed by the doctoral student. Doctoral students are also normally required to spend at least 6 months studying at Universities or Research Centers of significant international prestige. The PhD Programme encourages the possibility of obtaining a double doctoral degree or a joint supervision degree at the Polytechnic and prestigious foreign Universities.

The programme provides training on two levels:

A - Methodological training on general aspects for carrying out research activities and developing the doctoral thesis:

• knowledge of the tools and general methods of modern scientific research
• integrated use of numerical and experimental research and development technologies
• development of soft skills at national and international level
• preparation for independent involvement in the management of research projects and the competitive development of ideas and projects 

B - Specialized training on innovative topics of interest to the PhD Programme:

• Virtual product development
• Mixed Reality interfaces
• Product design at all dimensional scales with the integration and support of digital innovations
• Development and study of the behavior of advanced materials
• Development of innovative numerical-experimental methodologies for controlling the tribological properties of interfaces in mechanical systems
• Development of innovative numerical-experimental methodologies for the analysis of complex flows in configurations of industrial interest
• Fluid-structure interaction
• Development of bio-inspired mechatronic platforms
• Development of new experimental and diagnostic methods for defect identification and verification of structural integrity
• Design and maintenance of production systems for goods and services
• Ergonomic and safety design in the context of production systems for goods and services
• Development of technologies for decarbonization in the mobility and energy conversion sectors
• Study and development of systems for the use of renewable energy sources
• Study and development of biodevices and biointerfaces
• Technologies and systems for alternative, intelligent, and green mobility

In addition, significant attention is devoted to creating and strengthening structured and lasting links with companies and public institutions in order to ensure constant alignment between the course training programme and the growing needs of the labor market. The PhD programme includes an Advisory Board composed of representatives of companies, associations, and institutions who will support the board in defining the course's teaching and research activities and the doctoral students' research and teaching programmes, evaluating in particular their validity from the point of view of economic and social impact.

The Advisory Board will be composed of experts and professionals of national and local relevance:

• Giorgio Graditi, Director General ENEA
• Cesare De Palma, President of the Mechanical Section of Confindustria Bari BAT
• Beppe Bratta, President of the Apulian Production District “La Nuova Energia”
• Ettore Camarda, Assistant General Manager MAGNA PT SpA
• Alessandro Saponaro, Chief Executive Officer of Centro Combustione e Ambiente (Sofinter group)
• Enrico Mangialardo, General Manager Pumps Valves Systems - Bari - Industrial & Energy Technology Baker Hughes

In addition to training those who intend to pursue an academic career, DRIME also provides the skills necessary to carry out research activities in both academic and industrial settings. This second aspect is confirmed by the presence of industrial and non-institutional scholarships (research bodies and funds) available in previous cycles.

The possible career opportunities for PhD graduates in Mechanical and Energy Engineering, both in the field of research and in industry, concern development, design, and production in the industrial sector, mobility, energy, aeronautics, and nanotechnologies. These areas are also complemented by research and development in the biomedical and biomechanical sectors. This is confirmed by the fact that PhD graduates who obtained the degree in recent years have secured positions appropriate to their educational background at major Italian and international companies and research centers such as: Baker Hughes Bari, Baker Hughes Firenze, AVIO AERO, CIRA, Arts et Métiers ParisTech, The George Washington University, Luxottica, Bosch, Stanford University, Istituto Italiano delle Saldature, McLaren Automotive.