Language

Italian, English

Start date

January 2026

Frequency

Full time

Fruition

On campus

Duration

3 Years

Credits

180

The PhD is aimed at researchers who want to deal with the complexity of ongoing transitions to design positive changes and imagine more equitable, supportive and sustainable futures starting from a post disciplinary perspective, open to hybridizations between knowledge and the experimentation of new and unexpected connections.

The PhD programme aims to investigate new interpretative paradigms of Design and the Arts, and their roles, in a fluid, rapidly evolving context, through the experimentation of systemic research methodologies, based on multiple connections and hybridizations, the sublimation of linear disciplinary approaches, in favour of relational and critical, abductive and transdisciplinary readings, which look not only at applications, but also at the implications and impacts of design and creative action.

In this scenario, Design and Art stand as a transformative platform capable of enabling the interconnection between different forms of knowledge, the relationships between different forms of intelligence (human, non-human, other-than-human) and multiple application possibilities, generated by the intersection between design, art, technologies, sciences (human, social, environmental, economic), in a reference value framework based on principles of equity, inclusiveness, responsibility, sustainability and solidarity.

An open and collaborative research environment, an ecosystem in which experiment new hybrid, generative and regenerative methodologies, and apply emerging technologies consciously and responsibly, with a critical, ethical and non-conformist outlook, to go beyond conventional approaches and orient research action towards the common good, care for the planet and shared resources.

The research fields concern the following thematic areas:

  • Collective intelligence and Human - non human creativity
  • Design, Arts and the creative industries in new socio-economic circular environments
  • Cultural Heritage through digital and phygital technologies
  • Smart technologies and bio-materials: unconventional and circular application
  • Data design and information ecology: awareness and knowledge
  • Decolonization, commoning and social good in design and art practices

 

PhD Programme Committee

 

Final admission ranking for the PhD programme – Academic Year 25/26

News

08 September 2026

IED Turin at Salone Auto Torino 2026: concept cars and creativity in action

Pagani Alisea, Tesla TIME and Italdesign Rapida take centre stage at two events celebrating automotive design, education and partnerships with leading automotive brands

07 September 2026

Fashion show and festival: the IED Public Programme is back

In September, IED's Public Program returns with a calendar of events across its campuses in Italy and Spain, offering opportunities for dialogue, exchange and discovery open to the community and the wider public.

07 September 2026

From Turin to Tokyo: IED and Pioneer Denim bring new visions of denim to the international runway

Projects by students on IED Torino’s Undergraduate Programme in Fashion Design, developed using materials supplied by the company, are heading to Tranoï Tokyo and Denim Première Vision as part of the collaboration with Pioneer Denim, bringing together research, experimentation and product culture.

07 September 2026

ORACLE: Extra Virgo’s sensory exhibition at IED Firenze

From September 11 to 18, as part of Pitti Fragranze 2026, the Ex Teatro dell’Oriuolo hosts an immersive exhibition that translates the notes of ORACLE into images, shapes and sensations.

07 September 2026

Exploring Human-Robot Collaboration in China

New forms of collaboration between humans and robots through AR

02 September 2026

Six talents from the IED community to take part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

EGO, the catwalk dedicated to emerging fashion designers, will feature four alumni and one student from our community this year, while lecturer Juan Vidal will present his collection at a private, invitation-only event.

28 August 2026

What does sustainability mean for a design school?

When discussing sustainability, the debate often focuses on environmental impacts and the responsible use of resources. But what does sustainability mean, in practical terms, for a school that educates future designers, creatives and professionals capable of driving change?

25 August 2026

IED Barcelona Master's and Postgraduate Final Presentations 2026

A showcase of creativity and talent in fashion design, bridalwear, fashion marketing and communication, fashion product management, and interior design for hotels and food & beverage spaces.

24 August 2026

IED Madrid to Present Its Fashion Show as Part of OModa Madrid es Moda, Showcasing Talent from Its Classrooms

The runway show will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Espacio Jorge Juan

Don't miss it

Exhibitions and Festival

28 April 2026 - 30 September 2026

Barcelona

“Caliu” in “Matter Matters. Designing with the World”

The project “Caliu”, by IED Barcelona alumnus Judith Aubà, has been selected to form part of this exhibition, which reflects on the major challenges facing design today and in the future at a critical time marked by the scarcity of raw materials.

12 September 2026 - 20 September 2026

Como

Accademia di Como, IED Network at Lake Como Design Festival

September 12-20

14 September 2026 - 18 September 2026

Barcelona

IED Barcelona 2026 Undergraduate Welcome Week

The welcome event for undergraduate students, teachers and staff to mark the official opening of the new academic year will take place on Monday 14 September.

Exhibitions and Festival

16 September 2026 - 07 October 2026

Genova

The horizon of desire: stories from Genoa’s Waterfronts.

Six perspectives, a city in transition. IED Turin showcases Genoa’s Porto Antico and the Levante Waterfront in a photography exhibition at Palazzo Ducale

16 September 2026 - 16 September 2026

Rome

IED Roma Fashion Show 2026

A city that rushes, connects, and at the same time isolates. A fashion that becomes a space for expression, identity, and resilience. METROPOLI is a portrait of contemporary life through the eyes of the newly graduated students in Fashion Design and Jewellery Design.

25 September 2026 - 25 September 2026

Milan

IED officially at Milano Fashion Week - September 2026

At MUBA Museum (Rotonda di via Besana), IED Milano presents its collective fashion show.

An open notebook showing two pencil sketches, one of a lamp and the other of designer handbags
Exhibitions and Festival

17 October 2026 - 17 October 2026

Barcelona

Barcelona Dibuixa 2026: “The Power of Hand Drawing”

IED Barcelona is offering this workshop, where participants will discover, guided by architect and lecturer Gianfranco La Cognata – Laco 2, how design takes shape through illustration.

Interior of an educational center with a courtyard with plants, stairs and banners
Workshop

21 October 2026 - 21 October 2026

Barcelona

Strategic Design Clinic: What we need to disrupt the future

A collaborative experience within the framework of Barcelona Design Week that brings together alumni, professionals, innovation leaders, students and experts in Strategic Design Management to address real-world challenges through strategic thinking and design.