The dottorato di ricerca (research doctorate) is the highest Italian academic degree, the equivalent of a Ph.D.
The term dottore is frequently used in Italy to refer to any person with a university Laurea: thus, a person with a Laurea Magistrale uses the title "dottore magistrale" and a person with a Laurea uses the title of "dottore". Those unfamiliar with the Italian university system or the Italian use of titles should note that a "dottore" or "dottoressa" in an Italian context does not necessarily hold a Ph.D. Holders of the dottorato acquire the title of dottore di ricerca ("doctor of research"), also abbreviated to "Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D."