Research Specialization Areas

The PhD program in Decision Sciences and Artificial Intelligence at ISEL–IPL offers doctoral candidates the opportunity to specialize in cutting-edge research areas, aligning academic pursuits with professional aspirations.

All students undertake core curricular units in the first semester, acquiring foundational knowledge in Optimization (CU1), Artificial Intelligence (CU2), and Statistics (CU5). In the second semester, students further develop their expertise in advanced Artificial Intelligence methods (CU3), enhance their scientific writing and thesis preparation skills (CU4), and select two additional elective courses (CU) tailored to their chosen specialization area. For detailed descriptions and further information about each curricular unit, please visit the Year 1: Core Curriculum page.

Available Specialization Areas, Recommended Courses, and Applications:

Optimization, Logistics, and Decision Analysis
- CU6 – Advanced Statistical Modelling
- CU8 – Time Series Forecasting
- CU9 – Stochastic Optimization
- CU10 – Applications of AI and Optimization in Complex Systems
- CU15 – Models and Applications in Decision Analysis
- CU19 – Network and Logistics Optimization
Applications: Operations research, logistics, industrial automation, decision support systems, strategic planning, resource optimization, supply chain management.
Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems
- CU7 – Algorithms Engineering
- CU10 – Applications of AI and Optimization in Complex Systems
- CU14 – Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
- CU17 – AI in Manufacturing Processes
- CU19 – Network and Logistics Optimization
Applications: Autonomous systems, complex network modeling, adaptive systems, robotics, advanced manufacturing.
Data Science, Predictive Analytics, and Risk Management
- CU6 – Advanced Statistical Modelling
- CU8 – Time Series Forecasting
- CU9 – Stochastic Optimization
- CU12 – Precision Medicine and Systems Biology
- CU13 – Challenges in Natural and Technological Hazards
- CU14 – Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
- CU15 – Models and Applications in Decision Analysis
Applications: Healthcare analytics, financial forecasting, predictive maintenance, risk modeling, epidemiological modeling, disaster preparedness.
Energy Markets and Sustainability
- CU8 – Time Series Forecasting
- CU9 – Stochastic Optimization
- CU10 – Applications of AI and Optimization in Complex Systems
- CU11 – Electricity Markets
- CU13 – Challenges in Natural and Technological Hazards
- CU15 – Models and Applications in Decision Analysis
Applications: Renewable energy management, smart grids, energy policy, forecasting energy demand and supply, strategic energy planning.
Biomedical Data Science and Computational Bioinformatics
- CU6 – Advanced Statistical Modelling
- CU7 – Algorithms Engineering
- CU8 – Time Series Forecasting
- CU10 – Applications of AI and Optimization in Complex Systems
- CU12 – Precision Medicine and Systems Biology
Applications: Personalized medicine, biomarker discovery, genomics, systems biology, clinical decision support, computational drug discovery.
Advanced Manufacturing and Computational Mechanics
- CU7 – Algorithms Engineering
- CU10 – Applications of AI and Optimization in Complex Systems
- CU16 – Evolutionary Optimization in Computational Mechanics
- CU17 – AI in Manufacturing Processes
Applications: Structural optimization, additive manufacturing, digital twins, computational design, smart manufacturing systems.
Behavioral Modeling and Cognitive Decision Science
- CU6 – Advanced Statistical Modelling
- CU8 – Time Series Forecasting
- CU15 – Models and Applications in Decision Analysis
- CU18 – Behavioral Economics and Cognitive Science
Applications: Behavioral finance, policy design, consumer behavior analysis, cognitive modeling.
Financial Engineering and Computational Economics
- CU6 – Advanced Statistical Modelling
- CU8 – Time Series Forecasting
- CU9 – Stochastic Optimization
- CU10 – Applications of AI and Optimization in Complex Systems
- CU11 – Electricity Markets
- CU14 – Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
- CU15 – Models and Applications in Decision Analysis
Applications: Algorithmic trading, economic forecasting, risk management, financial market analysis.

For detailed information on each curricular unit, visit the Year 1: Core Curriculum page. Further guidelines and detailed descriptions will become available upon completion of the accreditation process.