Simona Inserra

Simona Inserra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities at the University of Catania, where she holds a position in Archives, Bibliography, and Library Science (HIST-04/C). She teaches courses such as History and Conservation of Books, Digital Archives, Conservation of Archival and Book Assets, and Digital Libraries across undergraduate and graduate programs. She is actively engaged in research, leadership, and international collaboration.

Her educational background includes a Laurea in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, a Master in Ancient Book Studies, and specialized training in book conservation. She has also completed advanced courses in paleography, linked data, and book history at institutions including Oxford University.

Her research focuses on the production and circulation of early printed books, especially incunabula in Sicilian libraries, provenance studies, library history, author libraries, and conservation of library materials. She explores biblioteconomia sociale, fundraising, and crowdfunding as tools for library sustainability. Her work combines historical analysis with digital and community-based approaches to heritage valorization.

The recent publications and conference presentations reflect a strong trend in incunabula studies, digital library projects (like MeMo and CODICIS), and community engagement. Her work spans historical research, technical conservation, and innovative funding models, emphasizing both scholarly rigor and public participation in cultural heritage.

• PRIN 2020 research funds for MeMo - Memory of Montecassino project
• ERASMUS PLUS funding for CODICIS project
• PIACERI research incentive funds (2020-2022)
• STARTING GRANT funds for CAT-INC project
• CHANCE funds from University of Catania (2020)
• FFABR funds from MIUR (2017)

She advises numerous graduate students on topics ranging from book conservation to archival studies and incunabula research. She leads the Catania research unit for the MeMo project and participates in the national PRIN project Excerpta. She has coordinated multiple international Erasmus+ training initiatives and serves on scientific committees for journals and book series. Her leadership extends to institutional roles, including delegate for the Third Mission and former delegate for the Department Library.

She is deeply involved in academic and professional communities, organizing conferences, seminars, and training workshops. She collaborates with institutions such as the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Sapienza University of Rome, and the CERL. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of National History for Eastern Sicily and the Centro Studi Belliniani, and a full member of AIB, SISBB, and the Oxford Bibliographical Society.