Prof. Tiziana Lippiello is a Full Professor and Rector at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, leading the Department of Asian and North African Studies. Her academic career focuses on Chinese literature, ancient civilizations, and Confucian thought. She oversees the university's strategic direction as Rector while maintaining active research in East Asian history, religious practices, and intercultural dialogue. Her work bridges classical Chinese texts with modern interpretations, emphasizing themes like divination, governance, and Jesuit influence in cross-cultural exchanges. Key publications include studies on Prospero Intorcetta’s Latin translations of Confucian texts and analyses of ancient longevity practices. She has edited volumes on Chinese literature and merchant culture, contributing significantly to scholarly discourse on Sinology and early modern history.
Matteo Marconi is a Fixed-term Researcher (Type A) at the Department of Political Science, Sapienza University of Rome since 2020. He serves on multiple academic bodies including the Department Board and Faculty Council of Political Sciences, Sociology, Communication. Marconi teaches geopolitics courses in several degree programs including the Master's in Geopolitics and Global Security. His research employs spatial approaches to political phenomena across three domains: history of geopolitical thought (reconstructing coherent disciplinary history), theoretical geopolitics (scientific problematization), and applied case studies (Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mediterranean geopolitics). Primary research keywords include geopolitics, classical geopolitics, and Mediterranean studies. Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on maritime geopolitics, Mediterranean regionalization, and theoretical examinations of classical geopolitical concepts like Lebensraum. Works frequently analyze spatial power dynamics through historical and contemporary lenses, with emerging attention to China's geopolitical strategies. Awards: Premio Gaetano Ferro (2012) from Società Geografica Italiana Premio Luigi ed Eufemia Tosti (2004) Special Mention - Premio laurea d'oro (2004) As academic advisor, Marconi has supervised doctoral candidates (37th cycle) and leads the 'Geopolitics of the Sea' research group. Editorial activities include serving on the board of The Review of International Affairs and previously co-directing the journal Geopolitica .
Ivan Franceschini is a Research Fellow at the Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, and a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Australian National University's Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. His work focuses on Chinese labor movements, civil society, and political transformations. University: Ca' Foscari University of Venice Department: Department of Asian and North African Studies Email: ivan.franceschini@unive.it Franceschini's research spans labor activism, NGO strategies, and historical narratives in China. His publications in journals like The China Quarterly and Pacific Affairs analyze state-labor relations, digital activism, and garment industry exploitation. He co-edits the Made in China Journal , exploring labor and civil society dynamics. Key article trends include comparative labor studies across China and Cambodia, legal mobilization by workers, and historical reinterpretations such as the Taiping Rebellion. His 2019 work on collective bargaining and 2018 comparative analysis of garment workers highlight systemic labor challenges.
Sabrina Rastelli is a Full Professor and Director of the Confucius Institute of Venice at Ca' Foscari University of Venice . She is affiliated with the Department of Asian and North African Studies and contributes to the Confucius Institute of Venice . Her academic career spans roles as Associate Professor (2010–present) and Lecturer (1999–2010) at Ca' Foscari University, with additional teaching experience at SOAS and Peking University. Current Position: Full Professor & Confucius Institute Director Previous Roles: Lecturer at Ca' Foscari (1999–2010), Tutor at SOAS (1998–99) Research Interests focus on Chinese ceramics, archaeology, and art history, particularly the Song and Jin dynasties. Her work explores the technological evolution of Yaozhou kilns, cultural exchanges through porcelain maritime routes, and transcultural dialogues in contemporary Chinese art. Scientific Contributions include co-authored studies on ancient ceramic technologies and leadership in EU-funded projects like Chinese narratives and the narration of China in Italy . She has curated major exhibitions including Dall’antica alla nuova via della seta (2016) and I due imperi. L’aquila e il dragone (2010). Academic Service encompasses editorial roles (e.g., Annali di Ca’ Foscari - Serie Orientale ), conference organization, and PhD examination committees. She serves on the scientific board of the Marco Polo Research Centre and advises institutions like the Museum of Oriental Art, Venice.
Guido Samarani is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Asian and North African Studies , Ca' Foscari University of Venice, since 2020. Previously a Professor at the same institution (2000-2020), his work focuses on Chinese history , political transitions , and Italy-China relations . Director, Marco Polo Center for Global Europe-Asia Connections (2018-2021) Guest Professor, Zhejiang University (China) Member of multiple editorial and scientific committees including European Journal of East Asian Studies Research Interests center on: 20th-21st Century Chinese Political History Communist Party of China's Development Cold War Italy-China Interactions Global Historiography of China Publications include monographs on Mao Zedong, Red China, and the 100-year history of the CCP. His works explore the interplay between revolutionary ideology , diplomacy , and historiographical debates . Scientific Recognition : Honorary Member, Italian Association of Chinese Studies (2022-) Active in conference organization , he chaired panels on Eurasian geopolitics, Belt and Road Initiative, and comparative studies of Italian and German interactions in China. His editorial roles span journals like Mondo Cinese and Sinica Venetiana .
Jinze CUI is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Humanities, University of Catania (Italy), specializing in Chinese Philology. With a PhD candidacy at KU Leuven (Belgium) in Architectural Heritage Conservation and a Master's in Cultural Relic Architecture from Peking University, he bridges architectural history, cultural preservation, and public engagement. His career spans roles as a lecturer, exhibition curator, and advocate for heritage conservation in China. PhD Candidate: KU Leuven (2014–2020) Master's: Peking University (2009–2012) Bachelor's: North China University of Technology (2002–2007) His research focuses on architectural heritage conservation , analyzing wooden structures, adaptive reuse of religious buildings, and controversies in restoration practices. Articles like 'The Totem of Ideal Human Habitat' and 'Inspirations on the Adaptive Reuse of Religious Architecture' highlight his interdisciplinary approach. He actively campaigns for civil-led heritage protection, exemplified by his 2013–2014 campaign to save Chen Baochen’s residence in Beijing. Recent works explore global heritage debates , including Notre Dame de Paris restoration and Dresden’s cultural memory. His articles span journals such as ThePaper.cn and edited volumes like Chinese Heritage in the Making (Amsterdam University Press, 2018). Member: ICOMOS China Member: Beijing Cultural Relic Protection Association CUI leads international cultural relic rescue campaigns and lectures on Beijing’s architectural history, including at the 2012 Walmart China Women in Leadership Forum. He also participated in EU-funded projects like Asia Urbs Chn5-08 in Beijing (2004–2005).
Raissa DE GRUTTOLA is a fixed-term Researcher in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where she conducts research under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) on cultural resources for sustainable tourism. Her academic focus lies at the intersection of religious studies, Sinology, and cultural history, particularly in the context of Christianity in China. Her research interests include: The translation of the Bible into Chinese The role of Franciscans and Jesuits in China The thought of Simone Weil in relation to China Chinese Catholic communities in Italy The legacy of Marco Polo Religious and cultural mediation between East and West Her recent scholarly output centers on comparative analyses of Chinese biblical versions, such as the Union Version and the Sigao Bible, and explores how religious texts were adapted within Chinese cultural and theological contexts. These works reflect a deep engagement with translation theory, missionary history, and indigenous religious identity formation. She has obtained the National Scientific Qualification for the position of Associate Professor in Cultures of Central and Eastern Asia, affirming her standing in the Italian academic system. Raissa DE GRUTTOLA actively contributes to the academic community through: Service on the scientific committee of the journal La Nottola di Minerva Participation in the international research group China Historical Christian Database at Boston University Peer reviewing for journals including Religions , Antonianum , and Orientis Aura Teaching Chinese language and culture at both undergraduate and graduate levels She has previously held research fellowships at the University of Perugia and taught at the University of Enna "Kore", demonstrating a sustained commitment to higher education and research in Asian studies.
Bryan DE NOTARIIS is a Research Fellow in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. His research focuses on ancient Indian and Buddhist literature, Gandhāran culture, and the ritual use of wine in South Asian religious traditions. He is actively involved in interdisciplinary projects bridging philology, history, and religious studies. His research interests include: Philology of Pāli and Gandhāri Buddhist texts Hellenistic-Indian cultural interactions The role of wine in ancient Gandhāran rituals Comparative studies between Buddhist and Hellenistic philosophical traditions Cross-cultural transmission of religious ideas The Milindapañha and its textual variants across languages The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in comparative and philological scholarship, particularly in the areas of Buddhist textual criticism, ritual symbolism, and ancient cross-cultural exchange. His work often combines close reading of primary sources with historical and anthropological analysis, especially in the context of the Gandhāran region. He frequently collaborates with scholars like Claudia Antonetti and Marco Enrico on wine in ancient South Asia. Scientific contributions include: Co-editing and contributing to Wine Cultures. Gandhāra and Beyond (2024) Curating the Wine in Gandhara Bibliography (2023) Authoring multiple peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Journal Asiatique and Annali di Ca’ Foscari Providing scholarly prefaces to major works on Buddhism Bryan DE NOTARIIS is involved in the MALIWI research project, funded by Ca' Foscari University of Venice, which investigates the social, ritual, and ceremonial use of wine in Gandhāra from the Achaemenid to the Kushan periods. He collaborates with Claudia Antonetti and Marco Enrico. While no formal students are listed, his editorial and research leadership suggest mentorship roles. No grants beyond MALIWI are detailed, but his project indicates institutional funding support. He is associated with the research group focused on: Languages and literatures of the Indian subcontinent History of ancient civilizations Sanskrit studies The MALIWI project website is publicly accessible at https://mizar.unive.it/venicepigraphy/maliwi/public/ .
Gerhard Wolf is a Professor and Managing Director of the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz (KHI), a research institute of the Max Planck Society since 2002. He has served as director of the KHI since 2003. Wolf leads the Department Gerhard Wolf, which focuses on Image, Object, Site. Mediterranean / Transcultural Art Histories , exploring concepts and practices of images and things in transcultural perspectives. Wolf earned his PhD in art history, Christian archaeology, and philosophy from the University of Heidelberg in 1989, and completed his habilitation at the Free University of Berlin in 1995. He previously held a professorship in art history at the University of Trier until 2003. His academic career includes numerous honorary professorships at institutions including EHESS in Paris, Bibliotheca Hertziana in Rome, and Columbia University in New York. Wolf's research spans transcultural art history, material culture studies, and ecological approaches to art history. His department investigates how objects and images participate in the formation and transformation of environments, with focus on migratory and transcultural dynamics, locative practices, and the interrelations between heritage and environment. His long-term projects include 'The Art of Containment' (studying vessels and containers across cultures), 'Ecology and Aesthetics,' and research on sacred topographies. His publications reveal a consistent engagement with transcultural object studies, particularly focusing on vessels, material metaphors, and the relationship between images and objects. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary ecological and political concerns, demonstrating art history's relevance to current debates about heritage, environment, and cultural exchange. Wolf has received significant recognition including honorary memberships in CAIA (Centro Argentino de Investigadores de Arte), Amici delle Pietre Dure in Florence, and the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno. He was awarded the 'Hanno und Ilse Hahn' Award in 1994. As director, Wolf mentors numerous doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of art historians. His department hosts extensive research projects examining the intersection of art history with environmental studies, catastrophe theory, and transcultural exchange. The department maintains active collaborations with international institutions and regularly organizes conferences addressing contemporary challenges in art historical research.
Federica CICCI is a Contract Lecturer in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice and has recently taken on an adjunct professorship in 'History of Asia and Southeast Asia' at Roma Tre University. Her academic work is deeply rooted in gender history, Chinese studies, and transnational humanitarianism, particularly focusing on women's roles during wartime China (1937–1945). Education: Ph.D. (Magna Cum Laude, 2024): Double Degree, Ca' Foscari University of Venice and Heidelberg University. Research: 'Caring Women: Transnational Activism and Humanitarian Relief Efforts during Wartime China (1937-1945).' M.A. in Languages, Economies and Institutions of Asia and North Africa (110/110 con lode, 2018), Ca' Foscari University of Venice. B.A. in Languages, Culture and Societies of Asia and Mediterranean Africa (110/110 con lode, 2016), Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Classical High School Degree (96/100, 2013), Liceo G. Mazzatinti, Gubbio. She also completed multiple exchange programs in China at Renmin University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, and Capital Normal University. Her research interests center on gender, humanitarianism, women's transnational activism, and modern Chinese history . She explores how women navigated war, care, and political ideologies through institutions like the Red Cross and missionary networks. Her work bridges history, gender studies, and international relations, often highlighting silenced female voices in 20th-century China. The analysis of her publications reveals a strong thematic consistency: all recent works examine women’s humanitarian roles during wartime China, with sub-themes including gendered discourse, medical missions, Sino-Vatican relations, and the ideological framing of care. She frequently publishes in Italian and international journals such as DEP. Deportate, Esuli e Profughe and Asia Maior , and presents at major conferences like EACS and AISC. Scientific Awards and Scholarships: 3-year Ph.D. full scholarship from Italian Ministry of University and Ca' Foscari (2019) Erasmus+ funding for research at Heidelberg University (2020–2021) Third prize in 'Chinese Speech Contest' and scholarship at ECNU (2018) Multiple 'Overseas' Program awards from Ca' Foscari for study in China Confucius-Hanban Institute Scholarship Federica CICCI has served as a Teaching Assistant and Faculty Tutor at Ca' Foscari, supporting courses in Chinese history and law. She has not advised any students yet. She has received research grants through Erasmus+ and participated in summer schools and workshops on area studies and gender history. She is an active member of several academic associations and serves on the editorial board of DEP. Deportate, Esuli e Profughe . She is involved in academic communities such as the Associazione Italiana per gli Studi Cinesi (AISC) , European Association of Chinese Studies (EACS) , and Società Italiane delle Storiche (SIS) . She has organized and reported on international conferences, particularly those focusing on women’s transnational activism.
Elena Pollacchi is an Associate Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, affiliated with the Department of Asian and North African Studies. Her academic work focuses on Chinese cinema, film festivals, and cultural diplomacy, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of cinema and political narratives. She holds the scientific sector (SSD) of 'Lingue e letterature della Cina e dell'Asia sud-orientale.' Her research explores topics such as the role of film festivals like the Venice International Film Festival in shaping cultural diplomacy, the representation of the 'China Dream,' and the works of directors like Wang Bing and Jia Zhangke. She has authored influential monographs, including Wang Bing’s Filmmaking of the China Dream , and contributed to peer-reviewed journals such as MONDO CINESE , Journal of Chinese Cinemas , and Studies in Documentary Film . Her teaching activities are centered on Asian cinema studies, language, and cultural analysis. She has curated exhibitions and participated in international film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival and Trondheim International Film Festival. Her work frequently addresses themes of cultural translation, historical memory, and the socio-political dimensions of film.
Franco GATTI is an Associate Professor at the Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. His research focuses on Chinese and Southeast Asian languages and literatures, with particular emphasis on classical Taoist literature, modern Chinese linguistic studies, and business language applications. He teaches courses in advanced Chinese language for business and academic contexts. GATTI is fluent in Italian, Chinese, English, and has basic Japanese proficiency. Research & Publications Specializes in Tang Dynasty literature, Taoist texts, and cross-cultural communication strategies. Authored/co-edited works on classical Chinese poetry, linguistic corpora, and cultural studies. Contributes to editorial boards of Annals of Ca' Foscari, Oriental Series and Sinica venetiana . Teaching & Engagement Teaches Chinese language courses with a focus on business and professional communication. Supervises students in language studies and literary analysis. Notable Works 2022: Analyzed Buxuci poetry of Wei Qumou. 2020: Co-edited linguistic research on modern Chinese. 2015: Studied narrative techniques in the Xuanshi zhi .
Alessandro Armando is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design at Politecnico di Torino, specializing in architectural design theory and practice. His research explores the theoretical foundations of architectural projects as both bureaucratic document systems and symbolic representations within public discourse. With international collaborations across Manchester, Berlin, Belgrade and Rijeka, he contributes significantly to architectural theory through publications, editorial work, and academic leadership. Armando's research interests focus on architectural design theory, examining projects as integrated document systems within bureaucratic procedures and as symbolic components of collective representations. His work investigates project action development using methodological contributions from Actor-Network Theory and Science and Technology Studies, with particular attention to diagrams and maps as research tools. He founded the Class A journal 'Ardeth' in 2018, establishing an international platform for discussions on architectural design as scientific research and interdisciplinary intersection. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with architectural theory, design practice, and urban morphology, with recent publications exploring the relationship between architecture, philosophy, and political dimensions of urban form. The research trajectory shows increasing integration of digital technologies in architectural practice and deeper exploration of theoretical frameworks connecting design methodology with social and political contexts. Koos Bosma Prize in Planning History Innovation (2022) from International Planning History Society Scientific Committee member, Italian Institute for Advanced Studies in Torino 'Umberto Eco' - Scienza Nuova (2019-) Scientific Coordinator, Labont – Center for Ontology / Ontology of Architectural Design (2016-) Effective member, ProArch, National Coordination of Architectural Design Professors (2012-) As an academic advisor, Armando supervises multiple PhD candidates working on diverse topics including urban morphology, architectural criticism, and design theory. His teaching portfolio includes courses on architectural design theory, critical approaches to architectural reasoning, and practical strategies for architects. He has been actively involved in the PhD program 'Architettura. Storia e Progetto' at Politecnico di Torino since 2017. Armando leads research activities through tdpLAB (DAD) and collaborates internationally through networks such as Social Integration through Urban Growth Strategies – SINERGI and Memory & the City. His editorial work spans multiple publications including Ardeth (since 2017), where he helps shape contemporary discourse on architectural theory and practice.
Nicola Di Cosmo is Henry Luce Foundation Professor of East Asian Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He holds a Ph.D. in Central Asian History from Indiana University (1991) and graduated in Oriental Languages from Ca' Foscari University (1982). His career includes positions at Harvard University, University of Canterbury, and visiting professorships across Europe. Research integrates: Historical climate data analysis China-nomad frontier dynamics Cross-cultural Eurasian exchanges
Tiziana Lioi is an Associate Professor of Chinese Language and Translation at the University of International Studies of Rome (UNINT). She holds leadership roles, including President of the Languages for Interpreting and Translation degree program and coordinator of the international PhD in Global Studies and Innovation. She also serves as Erasmus coordinator for China. Education: She earned a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Rome 'Sapienza' and a PhD in Civilizations, Cultures, and Societies of Asia and Africa from Sapienza and Beijing University. Research Interests: Focus on cultural and literary relations between China and Italy, Qian Xue studies, and teaching methods for modern Chinese. Her work explores figures like Qian Zhongshu and Giovanni Vacca, emphasizing historical and comparative analyses. Publications: Over 40 works, including monographs, articles, and teaching manuals. Recent highlights include Chinese for Work (2023) and studies on China-Italy political-cultural dynamics (2024). She contributes to journals like Leukanikà and international conferences. Awards: None explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Active in academic governance and international collaborations.
