Doctoral Thesis

The doctoral thesis must present an original research contribution developed during the doctoral student's studies. The thesis, like the research, is developed under the guidance of a supervisor.

Theses may include previously published works by the doctoral student, provided that the published works are cited in the thesis and the author's contribution is clearly stated. Material taken from the works of other authors must be properly cited in the thesis, and if the text is reproduced using the same words, this must be indicated in quotation marks. The originality of all doctoral theses will also be checked using specific anti-plagiarism software.

The evaluation process generally consists of three main phases:

1. Evaluation by External Reviewers
   In the first phase, the thesis is submitted to external reviewers, experts in the relevant scientific field, chosen from among university professors or researchers from Italian or international research institutions. These reviewers, independent of the Academic Board and the candidate's supervisor, examine the work on its merits, assessing the originality of the scientific contribution, methodological soundness, clarity of exposition, and level of maturity achieved. Upon completion of their analysis, the reviewers provide a written report with a reasoned opinion, which may include observations, suggestions for improvement, and, in some cases, requests for revisions prior to the final defense.
2. Approval by the Academic Board
   After the positive opinion of the external reviewers (or after any requested revisions), the thesis is reviewed by the Doctoral Program Academic Board. This body evaluates the work's consistency with the approved research project, the overall quality of the training program, and the thesis' suitability for submission for the final defense. If successful, the Board authorizes the candidate to take the final examination for the Doctoral degree.
3. Public defense and final evaluation
   The final phase consists of the public defense of the thesis, during which the candidate presents and defends their work before a final examination committee. The committee is composed of expert faculty and researchers, often international, appointed according to the program regulations. At the end of the defense, the committee may approve the thesis with or without amendments, or award honors, if required and based on a unanimous decision.

Procedural details may vary from one doctoral program to another. Doctoral students are advised to carefully consult the official documents for their program and consult with the academic secretariats.

Theses are recommended to be written in A4 or A5 format; other formats are also accepted.
Below you can find several sample templates:

• template latex per tesi di dottorato (not mandatory) download
• template PDF (not mandatory) download
• template RTF (not mandatory) download

As required by law, all theses must be deposited in the National Libraries of Rome and Florence for consultation. Candidates admitted to the final exam must submit their theses in electronic format before the final exam. When submitting their theses, candidates can decide to make them public or limit access to them in the Politesi Library of the Politecnico di Milano, where all theses are collected and cataloged after their defense.

For the final exam registration procedure and theses submission, see the following link.

The best theses in the area of ​​Applied Sciences and Technologies may be submitted for publication in the Polimi-SpringerBriefs Series by Springer Publishing, through an international evaluation process. Information on this topic is available. PoliMI SpringerBriefs  e to the  Intranet page