Fully Funded PhD at the University of Messina 2026: Study Sustainable Urban Water Management in Italy ·the University of Messina 2026: Study Sustainable Urban Water Management in Italy

Applications are now open for the C42.CU-Beta.10 PhD research project, “Innovative and Sustainable Measures for Reducing Water Footprint in Cities,” hosted by the University of Messina in Italy.

The doctoral position offers aspiring researchers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges—urban freshwater scarcity.

The research is part of a broader effort to develop innovative strategies that improve water sustainability in cities while supporting global efforts to combat climate change and strengthen urban resilience.

Research Focus: Reducing the Urban Water Footprint

As freshwater scarcity continues to emerge as a significant global risk, European cities are experiencing growing pressure on their water resources due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and increasing demand for clean water.

Although household water consumption accounts for a relatively small share of total water abstraction, it remains a critical area of public concern because it directly affects everyday life. The PhD project aims to improve understanding of urban water consumption by developing more comprehensive methods of water footprint accounting that incorporate behavioral, environmental, and infrastructure-related factors.

The research will investigate innovative approaches to sustainable water management, with particular emphasis on:

• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Household water conservation strategies
• Community-level water management solutions
• Sustainable urban drainage systems
• Water demand forecasting
• Urban water footprint assessment
• Climate-resilient water infrastructure
• Decision-support tools for water managers

The project seeks to generate practical solutions that can help cities better manage water resources while adapting to future environmental and demographic changes.

Supporting Sustainable Cities Through Research

The research recognizes that universities, local communities, governments, and public institutions play an important role in encouraging sustainable water use and influencing environmental decision-making.

By incorporating factors often overlooked in previous city-scale water footprint studies—such as changing user behavior, seasonal demand fluctuations, and the interaction between household and community-scale interventions—the project aims to produce more accurate and useful models for urban water planning.

The findings are expected to assist policymakers, urban planners, and water authorities in designing sustainable water systems capable of meeting future challenges.

Desired Candidate Profile

The program is seeking highly motivated applicants with strong academic backgrounds in civil or environmental engineering and related disciplines.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Knowledge of sustainable urban drainage systems
• Experience in water supply systems
• Applied hydrology and hydraulics
• Statistical analysis and data modelling
• Socio-economic modelling
• Programming experience using MATLAB, R, or Python
• Familiarity with EPA-SWMM and EPANET software
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research environments
• Willingness to participate in international mobility opportunities

Candidates with research experience in sustainable water management or environmental engineering may be particularly well suited for the position.

Research Environment at the University of Messina

The successful candidate will carry out research within the Department of Engineering at the University of Messina, joining the Water Engineering and Hydrology Research Group coordinated by Professor Giuseppe T. Aronica.

The research team includes academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD candidates working across several areas of water engineering, including:

Water resources management
Sustainable urban drainage
Water supply systems
Hydrology
Hydraulics

The group actively participates in national and international research projects while collaborating with universities, public agencies, and private-sector organizations around the world, providing PhD researchers with valuable opportunities for international collaboration and professional development.

Research Areas and Global Impact

The PhD aligns with several internationally recognized research priorities, including:

Environmental engineering
Sustainable water treatment and resource management
Environmental and climate policy
Hydrology and hydrogeology
Water and soil pollution

The project also directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official PhD admissions platform. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and submission deadlines before preparing their application materials.

For academic inquiries regarding the research project, prospective applicants may contact Professor Giuseppe T. Aronica at garonica@unime.it.

This doctoral opportunity offers an excellent pathway for researchers interested in sustainable urban water management, climate adaptation, and environmental engineering while contributing to innovative research with real-world societal impact.

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