Why do a doctoral degree in Technology at the UdG?

The Doctoral Programme in Technology incorporates all the lines of technological research undertaken at the UdG.It is therefore the benchmark programme for all graduates, engineers or holders of technological degrees who, having completed a master's course, are interested in conducting research in some of the areas covered by the programme: computer vision and robotics, networked information systems, control engineering and smart systems, computing, technology of natural fibres and polymer materials, food technology, biotechnology of reproduction, plant pathology, mechanics of materials and structures, statistical and logical methods, technological innovation in productive systems or power and fluid engineering.

The technological research always includes an element of application and the aim is to try to ensure that the contributions made in the thesis are geared towards resolving problems that help to advance technological development.So, at present theses are being prepared that cover a diverse range of fields, such as: medical diagnostics, underwater robotics, video games, electrical networks, smart cities, e-learning, new composite materials for the aeronautical sector, structure analysis methods, developing elements to control plagues and diseases in plants, technologies for animal selection and reproduction, development of functional foods from pig's blood, genetically modified plants, paper recycling, production and quality management, process planning and supply chains, transport phenomena in fluids and irrigation engineering, among others.

A technological doctoral degree requires perseverance, interest and a curiosity to learn and contribute new knowledge to current technologies, the ability to formulate problems and propose new solutions and approaches to existing problems, and to evaluate the results with a critical spirit, while following a scientific methodology.

The professional career options for students that undertake this programme vary depending on the line of research followed, but generally speaking, they include continuing a career in research (post-doc), working in technological centres, research in the R+D departments of industries or public or private institutions, or coordination and participation in research projects in companies (both SMEs and big businesses)

The general objective of the Doctoral Programme in Technology at the University of Girona is to train highly qualified researchers in this field who will be equipped with the professional and personal skills and abilities to successfully join national and international R&D&i systems./The Doctoral Programme in Technology brings together the lines of research undertaken at the University of Girona in the fields of engineering and architecture in which researchers are trained.Students who complete this doctoral programme will have the ability to create their own knowledge in order to solve real technological problems, put together a sound defence of their personal points of view, produce complex scientific reports and defend them before a qualified audience.The attainment of all these objectives will be achieved through the realisation of the doctoral thesis, which will prepare the researchers for their future professional career.

1.Computer vision and robotics

UdG research group: Computer vision and robotics (VICOROB)

• Mobile robotics
• Robotics and underwater vision
• Image analysis.Segmentation, detection and recognition of objects.
• 3D Perception
• Processing medical images

Potential thesis-supervisor researchers:

Dr M. Carreras Pérez, Dr X. Cufí Solé, Dr J. Freixenet Bosch, Dr J. Martí Bonmatí, Dr R. Martí Marly, Dr R. García Campos, Dr J. Salvi Mas, Dr X. Lladó Bardera, Dr J. Forest Collado, Dr Nuno Ricardo Estrela Gracias, Dr A. Oliver Malagelada, Dr N. Palomeras Rovira; Dr Adrià Casamitjana Diaz, Dr P. Ridao Rodriguez

2.Networked and agent-based information systems

UdG research groups: Communications and Distributed Systems (BCDS)

• Managing and Controlling Service Quality in communication networks
• Distributed systems
• Adaptive Hypermedia Systems
• Development and analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques with multi-agent systems
• Research on physical agents

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. J. Ll.Marzo Lázaro, Dr R Fabregat Gesa, Dr P. Vilà Talleda, Dr E. Calle Ortega, Dr Lluís Fàbrega Soler

3.Control engineering and intelligent systems

UdG research groups: Modal Intervals and Control Engineering (MICE), Control and Smart Systems Engineering (EXIT), Differential equations, modelling and applications (EDMA)

• Methods for monitoring and supporting data-based decision making
• Distributed systems, scheduling and optimisation of resources
• Modelling, identification and control of complex systems
• Detection and diagnosis of faults in dynamic model-based systems.
• Interval analysis based methods and tools
• Artificial pancreas: Modelling and control of glucose metabolism
• Smartcities and Smart grids

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr J. Colomer Llinàs, Dr S. Herraiz Jaramillo, Dr J. Meléndez Frigola, Dr. N. Luo Ren, Dr. Josep Vehí Casellas, Dr. B. López Ibáñez, Dr Carles Pous Sabadí, Dr Remei Calm Puig; Dr I. Contreras Fernández-Dávila; Joaquim Massana Raurich; Llorenç Burgas Nadal, Andrés El-Fakdi Sencianes

4.Computation

UdG research groups: Graphics and Image Laboratory (GILAB), Geometry and Graphs Group (GGG)

• Serious games
• Scientific visualisation and visualisation of Information
• Image processing
• Rendering
• Augmented Reality
• Virtual learning environments

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. I. Boada Oliveras, Dr. M. Feixas Feixas, Dr. M. Sbert Casasayas, Dr. F. Castro Villegas, Dr. G. Patow, Dr. Anton Bardera, Dr. S.G. Besuievsky Glikberg, Dr. M. Fort Masdevall, Jerónimo Hernández González

5.Technology of natural fibres and polymer materials

UdG research groups:  Laboratory for Sustainable Materials and Product Design, Materials and Thermodynamics (GRMT)Advanced Biomaterials and Nanotechnology (BIMATEC)

• Paper Technology
• Paper recycling
• Wood pulp
• Natural fibres as a reinforcement of compound materials
• Cellulose nanomaterials
• Preparing polymer biomaterials for use in textile engineering

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. M. A. Pèlach Serra, Dr. F. Vilaseca Morera, Dr. J. A. Méndez González, Dr. J. Farjas, Dra Ma Luisa Escoda Acero, Juan José Suñol García, Dr. Manuel Alcalà Vilavella, Dr Fernando Julian Perez, Dr. M. Delgado Aguilar, Dr. F.J. Espinach Orus, Dr. R. Reixach Corominas, Dr. J.A. Tarrés Farrés, Dr. J. Saurina Canals

6.Food Technology

UdG research group: Food Technology (TA)

• Development of subproduct-based functional and/or nutritional food ingredients
• Plant biotechnology for the development of phytosanitary tools and genetically modified plant security
• IRTA (Institute of Research in Agricultural Technology).Technology and food security

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. C. Carretero Romay, Dr. D. Parés Oliva, Dr. M. Pla de Solà Morales, Dr. E. Saguer Hom, Dr. M. Toldrà Alegret, Dr. T. Aymerich Calvet, Dr. A. Jofré Fradera, Dr. M. Hortòs Bahí, Dr. M. Castellari, Dr. E. Fàbrega Romans, Dr. M. Font, Dr. X. Serra

7.Biotechnology of reproduction

UdG research group: Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (Biotechnology of Reproduction)

• Sperm cryopreservation
• Analysis of sperm quality
• Determining pathogenesis in semen samples
• Reproductive and alimentary traceability
• Assisted reproduction techniques

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. S. Bonet Marull, Dr. M. D. Briz González, Dr. E. Pinart Nadal, Dr Marc Yeste Oliveras

8.Plant Pathology

UdG research group: Plant Pathology (PV)

• Epidemiology and disease control in plants
• Microbial pesticides for disease control and biofertilisers of plants
• Development of new active ingredients for controlling plant diseases

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. E. Montesinos Seguí, Dr. A. Bonaterra Carreras, Dr. I. Llorente Cabratosa, Dr. J. M. Francés Ortega, Dr. C. Moragrega García

9.Mechanics of materials and structures

UdG groups of research:  Analysis and Advanced Materials for the Structural Design (AMADE),  Construction: advanced technologies and sustainability (CATS),  Modal modal Intervals and engineering of Control (MICE)

• Construction and sustainability technologies
• Numerical and experimental analysis of materials and structures
• Compound materials for aeronautical structures: advanced simulation and experimental characterisation

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. J. Costa Balanzart, Dr. J. A. Mayugo Majó, Dr. N. Blanco Villaverde, Dr. A. Turon Travesa, Dr. J. Vehí Casellas, Dr. N. Luo Ren, Dr. D. Trías Mansilla, Dr. M. A. Chamorro Trenado, Dr. X. Cahís Carola, Dr. P. Maimí Vert, Dr. J. Renart Canalias, Dr. C. Barris Peña, Dr. M. Baena Muñoz, Dr. E. V. González Juan, Dr. Narcís Gascons Clarió, Dr.  Luis Ripoll Masferrer, Dr. L. Carreras Blasco, Dr. Joan Llorens Sulivera

10.Statistical and logical methods in technological applications

UdG research groups: Statistics and Compositional Data Analysis (GR-EADC), Logic and AI (LAI)

• Statistical analysis of compositional data
• Factorial analysis of data
• Design and processing of surveys
• Applications of logic to computer science
• Automatic deduction
• Constraint Programming 

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr J. A. Martín Fernández, Dr J. Daunis Estadella, Dr M. Bofill Arasa, Dr M. Villaret Ausellé, Dr Josep Suy Franch, Dr Gloria Mateu Figueras, Dr Joan Saldaña Meca, Dr Esther Barrabés Vera, Dr Jordi Ripoll Misse, Dr David Juher Barrot, Dr Marta Pellicer Sabadí, Dr M. Aguareles Carrero, Dr M. Comas Cufí

11.Technological innovation in productive systems

UdG research group: Process, Product and Production Engineering (GREP)

• Manufacturing-process characterisation
• Design methodologies
• Additive manufacture
• Quality management
• Management of production and the supply chain
• Process planning and integration with production planning

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. Joaquim de Ciurana Gay, Dr. Ma Luisa Garcia-Romeu de Luna, Dr. Rodolfo de Castro Vila, Dr. Marti Casadesús Fa, Dr. Inés Ferrer Real

12.Power and fluid engineering

UdG research groups: Agricultural Engineering (EA), Complex Systems Group (GSC), Fluid Engineering, Energy and Environment (GREFEMA)

• Engineering and Management of Irrigation
• Transport phenomena in fluid engineering
• Complex and biophysical systems
• Flame propagation in solid fuels and gases.

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. Francisco Ramirez de Cartagena Bisbe, Dr. Antoni Pujol Sagaró, Dr. José Ramon Gonzalez Castro, Dr. Lino Montoro Moreno, Dr. G. Arbat Pujolras, Dr. M. Duran Ros, Dr. J. Puig Bargués, Dr. E. Massaguer Colomer

13.Architecture

UdG groups of research:  Architecture and territory (AiT),  Construction: advanced technologies and sustainability (CATS)

• Project theory and visual culture, architectural restoration
• Theory and history of architecture and urban planning, analysis and urban and territorial planning
• Sustainable building technology and materials
• History of heritage-architecture building and restoration techniques.

Potential thesis research directors:

Dr. Nadia Fava, Dr. Marisa García Vergara, Dr. Miguel Àngel Chamorro Trenado, Carlos Gonzalvo Salas, Joan Llorens Sulivera, Dr. Julia Capomaggi

Additional requirements

The regulations governing the teaching programmes of doctoral degrees at the University of Girona establish that the Academic Committees of each doctoral programme may establish requirements additional to those set out by the School of Doctoral Studies in the following cases:

1. The Academic Committees will be able to establish requirements and criteria in addition to those provided for in article 3 for the selection and admission of students to the corresponding doctoral programme.
2. The Academic Committee of the doctoral programme may establish additional requirements for becoming a thesis tutor.
3. The Academic Committee of the doctoral programme may establish additional requirements for becoming a thesis director.
4. The Academic Committee of the doctoral programme will be able to establish additional requirements for the authorisation to present a thesis in the form of compendium of publications.
5. The Academic Committee of the doctoral programme may establish additional requirements for becoming a member of the thesis tribunal.
6. The Academic Committee of the doctoral programme may establish additional requirements to award the mention "cum laude".

The Doctoral Programme in Technology is governed by Royal Decree 99/2011, of 28 January, which establishes the organisation of official doctoral studies programmes.The access requirements are those set out in this Royal Decree and which can be consulted at the following web address www.udg.edu/doctorat/acces.

The Academic Committee will adopt the following prioritisation criteria:

1. Extent to which the candidate's predoctoral education is aligned with the line of research, with a particular focus on the master's degree or qualification that gives the candidate access to the doctoral degree.
2. Appraisal of the academic record.
3. Existence and quality of publications in the area of the line of applied research and / or similar.
4. Availability of thesis director in the selected line.

Regarding educational activities, the School of Doctoral Studies organises courses, seminars and other cross-disciplinary educational activities (soft skills) directed at research training and assisting with the writing and presentation of the doctoral thesis.We ask that the courses be given in English as our language of choice, although Catalan is the language most frequently used.They are generally 10-hour courses or seminars.There are a series of activities that are transferable and are of interest to all doctoral programmes, and others that are specific to a particular doctoral programme 

Educational course catalogue

A doctoral degree in Technology offers an extensive range of professional possibilities in several highly specialised sectors.This type of education provides the abilities and skills for the research and the development of new technologies, as well as the capacity to manage complex and innovative projects.

Some of the most notable openings and professional activities are:

• Research and development: Applied research in technological companies, research institutes or universities, project leadership in the development of new products, systems and technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and renewable energies.
• University teaching and academic research: Education for professional futures in the technological sector and research on new technologies and innovative solutions.
• Engineering and design of products: Creation and design of technological products.Development of complex systems in areas such as the motor industry, electronics, energy and nanotechnology.
• Technological consulting firm: Consulting firm services in companies in different areas, such as optimisation of processes, IT security, the digital transformation or the implementation of advanced technological solutions.
• Leadership in technological companies: Heads of research and development departments or directors of technological projects.
• Entrepreneurship and creation of start-ups: Development of own entrepreneurial projects, creating start-ups innovative technological ones in areas such as AI, biotechnology, software development and other emerging sectors.
• Management of innovation and digital transformation: Implementation of new technologies that improve the efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of companies in different sectors.
• Cybersecurity and data protection: Protection of digital infrastructures, defence against cyber threats and creation of solutions to guarantee privacy and security of information.
• Emerging industries: Working in emerging sectors and sectors transforming society, such as biotechnology, digital health, virtual and augmented reality and other technological areas.
• Government and technological public policy: Working in the public sphere, collaborating on the design and implementation of public policies relating to technology and innovation.Advice for governments and international organisations about subjects such as the regulation of new technologies, technological ethics or the creation of digital infrastructures.

Doctoral theses read in the programme

Doctoral theses read in the area

Doctoral student guide

Doctoral programme in Technology
Rating criteria for the special doctoral degree awards

Publications (relating to thesis and published or accepted within the enrolment period)

1. Publications and patents directly derived from the thesis.These have to have been published between the date of the first enrolment on the Doctoral Programme and the deadline for the presentation of candidacies for the Special Award (up to 5 points).
   • Articles: these will be valued positively if they are included in the JCR (Journal Citation Reports) or other indexing bases, the quartile (or decile), where the doctoral student is the first author, as well as their scientific and social impact.
   • Congresses: The type of presentation will be valued positively (oral/poster), as will the area and impact of the congress (international lecture, workshop, meeting, etc.)and the fact of being the main author.
2. Transfer activities (up to 3 points)
   • Mention of industrial doctoral degree.
   • Other activities (user licences, participation in projects funded by companies, presentations in technical meetings, participation in spin-off companies and the like).
3. Internationalisation and collaboration with other groups during the period of predoctoral education (up to 3 points)
   • International mention.
   • Collaborations with recognised research groups.
   • Stays (of more than a month): The duration of the stay, the type (national or international) and the contribution to the development of the thesis will be appraised.
4. Other aspects deriving from the thesis (up to 1 point)
   • Merits that have not been contemplated in the former points and that, according to the commission, are considered relevant

In the event of a draw, the tribunal can establish additional criteria to discriminate between candidacies

Compulsory training for doctoral students

Compulsory education:  20 h. of cross-disciplinary education to be chosen from the courses offered by the School of Doctoral Studies.

All the courses offered on the doctoral programme

Requirements for presenting a thesis for summary publications

Minimum of three articles in indexed publications (JCR), two of them published or accepted.The published or accepted articles have to fulfil one of the following requirements:

1. an article with JCR of Q1
2. two articles with JCR of Q2

The Scopus database can be used for Architecture, instead of JCR