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Renzo Riccardo CAVALIERI is an Associate Professor in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where he has been serving since 2007. His academic expertise lies in Comparative Private Law and the Law of East Asian Countries, with a strong focus on Chinese civil and commercial law. He teaches courses such as International Business Law, East Asian Law (China), and Legal Institutions of East Asia at both undergraduate and master's levels. He also maintains an active professional role as Of Counsel at the law firm Bonelli Erede in Milan. His research interests center on Chinese legal systems, particularly in the domains of international trade, foreign investment, labor law, and consumer behavior. He has led and participated in significant research projects funded by the European Commission (H2020, Erasmus+) and the Italian Ministry of Education (PRIN), often in collaboration with scholars like Tiziana Lippiello and Alvise Benedetti. His research explores themes such as the internationalization of Chinese law, sustainable development, and the evolving dynamics of Chinese commercial regulations. His recent publications (2021–2024) reflect a deep engagement with contemporary Chinese legal transformations, including foreign investment reforms, fashion law developments, and the ideological underpinnings of socialist legality under Xi Jinping. These works demonstrate a consistent scholarly focus on the intersection of law, globalization, and cultural identity in East Asia. CAVALIERI has been involved in high-level international dialogue, serving as a national expert in EU-China human rights dialogues (1999–2008) and consulting for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is Co-Chief Editor of the Journal of East Asian Law and has served as a peer reviewer for ANVUR and various law journals. His professional affiliations include the Italy-China Chamber of Commerce (Vice President), CCPIT (Mediator), and the Accademia Ambrosiana (Senior Academician). He has previously taught at the University of Pavia, Bocconi University, and the University of Lecce. He is fluent in Italian, English, and French, with intermediate proficiency in Chinese. His academic background includes an LLM from the University of Milan (1987) and language training in Beijing and Shanghai. He is actively engaged in research groups focusing on comparative private law, international law, and East Asian studies, and contributes to interdisciplinary efforts linking law, economics, and sociology within the university’s research framework.

• Comparative Private Law
• Chinese Civil and Commercial Law
• International Trade Law
• +9 more

Sofia Graziani is an Associate Professor at the University of Trento, affiliated with the Department of Literature and Philosophy and the School of International Studies (SSI). She specializes in the political, social, and cultural history of modern and contemporary China, with a focus on the Chinese Communist Party, youth organizations, Cold War internationalism, Sino-African relations, soft power, and memory politics. Her academic career spans institutions including the University of Bologna, Ca' Foscari Venice, and Peking University, and she has held prestigious fellowships such as from the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation. Education: PhD in History and Civilization of East Asia, Sapienza University of Rome (2005–2008) Master of Asian Studies, Lund University, Sweden (2004–2006) Laurea in Lingue e Civiltà Orientali (Chinese Language and History), Università Ca' Foscari Venezia (1998–2003) Her research interests include the history of the Chinese Communist Party, transnational youth movements, the politics of memory in China, Sino-Italian and Sino-African relations during the Cold War, Chinese soft power, and the role of youth organizations in political mobilization. She has conducted extensive archival research in China, Italy, Taiwan, and the United States. Her work is published in leading journals such as Modern Asian Studies , Twentieth-Century China , and The European Journal of East Asian Studies , and she has co-authored the monograph La Cina Rossa: Storia del Partito comunista cinese (2023). The trends in her recent publications reflect a deep engagement with the historical evolution of Chinese youth organizations, the discursive strategies of the Chinese state in foreign policy, and the transnational dimensions of communist movements. Her work bridges diplomatic history, political science, and cultural studies, often focusing on how ideology, memory, and international networks shape political legitimacy. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, First Fascia (2023) Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, Second Fascia (2014) Post-doctoral Fellowship, Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation (2012–2013) Sciences and Arts Fellowship China, MIUR (2010–2011) Library Travel Grant, Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation & EACS (2005) PhD Scholarship, Sapienza University of Rome (2005–2008) Graziani actively advises and mentors students, serving on doctoral committees at Sapienza and the University of Trento. She leads and participates in major research grants, including a PRIN project on Italians in China (1866–1970) and a university-funded initiative on the Belt and Road Initiative and the impact of COVID-19. She is a reviewer for top journals such as The China Quarterly and Modern China , and serves on editorial boards for journals like Sulla Via del Catai and DEP. Deportate, esuli e profughe . She also plays key institutional roles, including as international liaison with Shanghai and Zhejiang universities and as a member of university commissions. Laboratories and Networks: Research Network on Chinese students overseas (Sciences Po, Berkeley) Laboratorio Interdipartimentale Memoria e Società (LIMS), University of Trento Member of AISC, EACS, SISSCO, AAS, and SISI

• History of China
• Chinese Politics
• Cold War History
• +12 more

Andrea Piras is a Full Professor of Philology, Religions and History of Iran at the University of Bologna, Department of Cultural Heritage, and serves as an External Teacher in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He is also a former Member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and has held visiting positions at the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris and the University of Lausanne. His academic affiliations reflect a deep commitment to Iranian studies, religious history, and intercultural exchange in antiquity. His research interests center on Iranian philology, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and the religious and cultural history of pre-Islamic and late antique Iran. He has led numerous scholarly initiatives, including directing the Laboratory of Ethnohistory of the Iranian and Caucasian Area and co-organizing international symposia on Avestan studies, Sasanian culture, and Silk Road religions. His work emphasizes textual analysis, epigraphy, and the interplay between religion, law, and ideology in ancient Iran. The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent focus on religious narratives, manuscript cultures, and intellectual exchanges across Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Themes include Manichaean art and texts, Zoroastrian legal traditions, the transmission of Buddhist and Christian stories into Iran, and the symbolic use of light and writing in religious contexts. His scholarship bridges philology, religious studies, and art history, often exploring cross-cultural interactions in late antiquity. Scientific recognitions include: Membership at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (2016) Audition for Directeur d'études at École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris (2015) Piras has advised doctoral students through the PhD program in Cultural Heritage at the University of Bologna and has participated in international research projects such as the Melammu Project on Assyrian and Babylonian intellectual heritage. He has organized major academic events, including conferences on Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and Silk Road religions, often in collaboration with institutions in Italy, France, and Germany. His work is supported by long-term research stays at leading centers of advanced study. He leads the Laboratory of Ethnohistory of the Iranian and Caucasian Area at the University of Bologna, fostering interdisciplinary research on the historical and cultural dynamics of Iran and the Caucasus. His team engages with textual, archaeological, and epigraphic sources to reconstruct religious practices, legal systems, and intercultural encounters in ancient and late antique Iran.

• Iranian Philology
• Zoroastrianism
• Manichaeism
• +12 more

Lavinia Benedetti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities at the University of Catania, specializing in Languages and Literatures of China and Southeast Asia. She teaches Chinese language and literature and is actively involved in academic publishing, translation, and interdisciplinary research. Academic Rank: Associate Professor (SSD L-OR21) Institution: University of Catania Department: Languages and Literatures of China and Southeast Asia Email: lavinia.benedetti@unict.it, lavinia.benedetti@gmail.com Office: Tower overlooking the courtyard Office Hours: Tuesdays 8:30–9:30 a.m. via MS Teams Her research focuses on Chinese literary traditions, particularly detective and crime fiction from the imperial and late Qing periods, gender representations, erotic literature, and cross-cultural reception. She has published extensively on figures such as Di Renjie and Feng Tang, and on texts like Rouputuan , analyzing their semiotic, political, and cultural dimensions. Her work also explores how Chinese identity has been imagined and misrepresented in European contexts. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing gender, power, and morality in historical Chinese narratives, with a particular interest in marginalized female figures, political allegory, and literary innovation. Her scholarship bridges literary analysis, cultural studies, and translation, often engaging with both classical and contemporary Chinese texts. She has contributed to international edited volumes and journals such as Frontiers of History in China , Kervan , and Comparative Literature in China . Her monograph The History of Detective Fiction in China (2017) is a key contribution to the field. Lavinia Benedetti is also involved in academic collaboration beyond Italy, notably co-organizing a Chinese-Spanish translation expert course with the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), indicating her commitment to multilingual and interdisciplinary outreach. She has translated Chinese literary and theoretical works into Italian and edited volumes on taboo topics such as stigma, censorship, and obscenity in Mediterranean and East Asian cultures.

• Chinese Literature
• South Asian Literatures
• Detective Fiction
• +7 more

Marco MECCARELLI is a researcher in East Asian archaeology, art history, and philosophies at the Department of Humanities, University of Catania. He has previously taught at institutions including Sapienza University of Rome, Macerata, and Urbino, and remains an active academic with national and international collaborations. PhD in East Asian History and Civilisation (2010), University of Rome “La Sapienza” Post-Graduate Specialisation Diploma in Oriental Archaeology (2005), Second School of Specialisation, University of Rome “La Sapienza” His research centers on the historical and cultural dynamics of East Asia, particularly China. Key interests include the evolution of Chinese photography, the iconography of the Chinese dragon, semiological analysis of erotic imagery, and cross-cultural artistic interactions. His work bridges archaeology, art, literature, and philosophy, offering interdisciplinary insights into East Asian civilizations. The most recent publications reflect a strong focus on visual culture, material history, and symbolic systems in China and Japan. Trends include the reinterpretation of traditional symbols in modern contexts, the role of photography in cultural transformation, and the global diffusion of East Asian artistic practices. Scientific recognition includes: Invitation to the Visiting Program for Young Sinologists (2016) by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Citations in Time Magazine and BBC for research on the Chinese dragon Participation in national PRIN research projects He has supervised master’s theses, including one on the Taiwan issue, and is involved in research grants such as the University of Catania’s Body-Mind Images in East Asian Cultures project under the ATLAS programme. He collaborates with institutions like the Japan Foundation and various embassies to promote cultural dialogue. Marco MECCARELLI founded the VersOriente Cultural Association (2003–2011) and co-founded VersOriente srl , organizing exhibitions such as Exotic and Bizarre: the Fantastic World of Banko Ceramics (2009–2010). He has led initiatives supported by Italian regional governments and foreign cultural institutions, contributing significantly to public humanities.

• East Asian Art History
• Chinese Archaeology
• Cultural Interactions between East Asia and the World
• +7 more

Filippo Mignini is a full professor of History of Philosophy at the University of Macerata since 1987, serving as Director of the Department of Humanistic Studies since 2012. Born in 1946, he holds a licentiate in Theology (1969) from Lateran University and a philosophy degree (1972) from La Sapienza University of Rome. Prior roles include researcher at the University of L'Aquila (1976–1986) and Director of the Matteo Ricci Institute for East Relations (2001–2011). His research focuses on Spinoza studies, intercultural dialogue through Matteo Ricci's works, and the history of philosophical concepts like emptiness and power. Education Licentiate in Theology, Lateran University of Rome (1969) Laurea in Philosophy, La Sapienza University of Rome (1972) Research Interests His work bridges Spinozism, early modern Dutch and Italian philosophy, and the cultural exchanges between Europe and China during the Ming Dynasty. Key themes include the philosophy of tolerance, the role of imagination in Spinoza’s writings, and the intellectual legacy of Matteo Ricci’s cross-cultural mediation. Recent Publications Recent work emphasizes Spinoza’s critique of religious tolerance (2014), the cartographic collaborations of Matteo Ricci in Rome (2013), and the intersections of Averroism with radical Enlightenment thought (2013). His translations and commentaries on Spinoza’s early texts (e.g., 2012) highlight methodological rigor in textual analysis. Awards & Grants No explicit awards listed, though his editorial roles include co-directing the SPINOZANA series and the Complete Works of Matteo Ricci project. Participated in the national Atlas of European Reason research initiative (2010–2013). Labs/Teams Leads the Department of Humanistic Studies at the University of Macerata and previously directed the Matteo Ricci Institute. Collaborates on international projects like the PRIN initiative on European reason and Chinese cultural models.

• History of Philosophy
• Early Modern Thought
• Intercultural Studies
• +7 more

Dr. Donatella Guida is a full Professor of Chinese History at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' , Department of Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean, since 2021. She directs the University Study Center 'Matteo Ripa' and serves as a member of the Asia, Africa and Mediterranean Doctoral School. Her academic career includes roles as Associate Professor (2014-2021), qualified for Full Professorship in 2018, and researcher since 2004. Specialist in Ming and Qing China's social and intellectual history Philological analysis of historical and literary texts Focus on imperial legitimacy strategies and 'us-them' cultural dynamics Her research trajectory examines how Chinese historical texts constructed self/other relationships through: travel diaries, dynastic historiography, and female biographies. Key themes include: Ming legitimacy through historiography and foreign relations Yuan-Ming continuity in Mongol rule Gender roles in official histories Recent publications address: Border symbolism in China-Vietnam relations Matteo Ripa's 18th-century travel narratives Comparative philosophy between Logos and Dao Notable scientific awards include: 2024 Research Grant for Foreign Scholars in Taipei 2018 National Translation Award for Li Ruzhen's novel 1998-2000 Chiang Ching-kuo postdoctoral fellowship She has advised multiple PhD students including Adele Cozzani and Anna Chiara Trapani. Current projects include PRIN 2022 'Environmental Anomalies & Political Legitimacy in Global Eurasia'.

• Chinese History
• Social and Intellectual History
• Philology
• +7 more

Federico Brusadelli is a researcher at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' since 2020, where he teaches History of China and Global History of East Asia. His academic journey began with a degree in Oriental Languages and Civilizations from Sapienza University of Rome, followed by a PhD in Asian Studies from the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' with a thesis on the thought of the late imperial Chinese philosopher Kang Youwei. Prior to his current position, he taught at the universities of Pescara and Bologna, and from 2017 to 2020 at the Institute of Sinology at Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany as a 'Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter'. His educational background includes: Laurea (Bachelor's degree) in Oriental Languages and Civilizations from Sapienza University of Rome PhD in Asian Studies from the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' Brusadelli's research focuses on the intellectual and political history of late imperial and republican China, with particular interest in the circulation, adaptation, and translation of foreign political concepts and institutional models. His work often examines how Chinese intellectuals engaged with Western political ideas and systems. In spring 2024, he was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Chicago, where he studied how Chinese intellectuals of the 'long twentieth century' described and judged the American federal system. He has also been a visiting researcher at the European Institute for Chinese Studies in Paris (2021), the Polish Institute of Advanced Studies (2022), and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Sofia (2023). His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on conceptual history, particularly examining federalism, utopian thought, and political reform in Chinese context. His publications span from studies on Kang Youwei's political philosophy to analyses of contemporary Chinese political thought, revealing a trajectory that bridges historical and contemporary perspectives on Chinese intellectual engagement with global ideas. Brusadelli has received several academic honors: Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Chicago (2024) Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (since 2022) Member of the Board of the European Association for Chinese Philosophy (2021-2025) Managing editor of the journal Ming Qing Yanjiu He is actively involved in teaching across multiple degree programs including Ancient Cultures and Archaeology: Asia, Africa and Mediterranean; Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa; and Relations and Institutions of Asia and Africa. His teaching schedule for October 2025 shows regular instruction in History of China and Global History of East Asia courses, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to academic instruction. Brusadelli maintains an active research agenda, frequently collaborating with international institutions and scholars. His work positions him at the intersection of Chinese history, political theory, and global intellectual exchange, making significant contributions to understanding how political concepts travel and transform across cultural boundaries.

• History of East Asia
• Chinese Intellectual History
• Political History of Late Imperial China
• +6 more

Carlotta Sparvoli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where she has been a faculty member since February 2022. She also serves as the Director's Delegate for Information Technology. Her academic work bridges theoretical and applied linguistics, with a focus on Chinese language and its pedagogy. PhD in Languages, Cultures and Society, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (2012) Laurea in Oriental Languages (Chinese), Ca' Foscari University of Venice (1991) National Scientific Habilitation for Associate Professor (2019) Her research centers on the semantics of modal expressions in Chinese, the acquisition of Mandarin tones, and the teaching of Chinese as a second language. She employs corpus-based and cognitive linguistic approaches to analyze modality, negation, and discourse structure. Her interdisciplinary work integrates insights from psychology, philosophy, and education. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong focus on modality, tonal acquisition, and political discourse in Chinese. These works span book chapters, journal articles, and encyclopedia entries, published by leading academic presses such as Oxford University Press and De Gruyter. Her research shows a consistent trajectory toward understanding the cognitive and pragmatic dimensions of Chinese linguistic structures. President, Italian Association of Chinese Linguistics (AILC) Executive Board Member, Chinese as a Second Language Research (CASLAR) Executive Committee Member, International Association of Chinese Linguistics (IACL) Editorial Board, Chinese as a Second Language Research Reviewer for ERC, Oxford University Press, and multiple international journals She has supervised five doctoral students and organized major international conferences such as ISOCTAL-3 and CASLAR-3. Her academic service includes external examination roles at Dublin Institute of Technology and Maynooth University. She has been an active participant in international research groups, including the CASRI Initiative on modality acquisition. Carlotta Sparvoli leads a vibrant research agenda and is deeply embedded in the global Chinese linguistics community. She has held teaching and leadership positions at institutions in Ireland, Taiwan, and Italy, reflecting her transnational scholarly impact.

• Chinese Linguistics
• Semantics of Modality
• Chinese as a Second Language Teaching
• +7 more

Livio Zanini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He specializes in the Languages and Literatures of China and Southeast Asia and is actively involved in both research and teaching. He is also affiliated with the Interdepartmental Center 'SELISI' in Treviso, focusing on Economics, Languages, and Entrepreneurship for International Exchanges. His research interests include Chinese cultural history , particularly of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a focus on tea culture , literary gatherings , material culture (penjing) , and intercultural exchanges . He analyzes historical texts, literary compilations, and visual sources to understand the socio-cultural dynamics of pre-modern China. His work bridges sinology, art history, and socio-economic studies. Zanini’s recent publications reveal a consistent thematic trajectory centered on tea, literature, and cultural practices in late imperial China. His articles span journals such as Ming Studies , Ming Qing Yanjiu , and On the Road to Catai , demonstrating expertise in both primary textual analysis and interdisciplinary cultural interpretation. He also explores the global reception of Chinese culture, particularly how tea was perceived in early European sources. He teaches courses in Chinese language for business negotiation and consecutive interpretation from Chinese to Italian at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His teaching reflects a strong applied focus, integrating linguistic proficiency with cultural and economic contexts. Zanini is currently active in research and teaching, with publications up to 2024. He holds office hours both in person in Venice and online via Zoom. No scientific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the available texts.

• Chinese Literature
• Sinology
• Ming Dynasty Studies
• +7 more

Sebastian Eicher is a Researcher in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. His work focuses on Chinese literature, historiography, and cultural exchange, particularly during the Qing dynasty and earlier periods. He specializes in the study of autobiographical narratives, treaty port intellectuals, and classical Chinese texts. His research interests include: Chinese literary and historical texts Qing dynasty intellectual history Sino-Western cultural encounters Narrative theory in historiography Translation and memory studies Classical Chinese philosophy and ethics Analysis of his recent publications (2016–2024) reveals a consistent focus on figures such as Wang Tao, Jiang Dunfu, and Yuan Hong, with thematic emphasis on personal identity, cosmopolitanism, legitimacy, and the transmission of knowledge. His work appears in leading journals including Modern Asian Studies , Monumenta Serica , T’oung Pao , and Journal of Chinese History . He frequently contributes reviews, translations, and editorial introductions, demonstrating broad engagement with both primary sources and contemporary scholarship. He has no listed scientific awards in the provided materials. There is no available information regarding student advisement or research grants. He does not appear to lead a named laboratory or research team, though he has co-edited volumes on memory and historical consciousness in Chinese culture.

• Chinese Literature
• Sinology
• Historiography of China
• +7 more

Dayton Joseph LEKNER is a Researcher in the Department of Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. His work focuses on the social and cultural history of 20th-century China, particularly the Mao era, with an emphasis on literature, ideology, and sound. He teaches courses on the history and society of contemporary China at the master's level. LEKNER’s research interests span the History of East and Southeast Asia , Social and Cultural History of China , Mao Era Studies , Sound and Sensory History , and Political Ideology and Literature . His interdisciplinary approach bridges history, cultural studies, and media theory, exploring how texts and sounds shaped political subjectivity in Cold War China. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward sensory and auditory dimensions of state formation and political struggle, particularly in the context of Maoist China and cross-strait relations. He examines how voice, silence, noise, and textual circulation functioned as tools of ideology and resistance. His forthcoming book, One Hundred Flowers: How Literature Shaped Maoism , further cements his contribution to understanding the creative interplay between politics and culture. LEKNER is also the editor of the online journal and website Revisiting the Revolution , contributing to public and academic discourse on revolutionary China. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, translations, and reviews, demonstrating sustained scholarly engagement. He has taught in multiple master's programs, including Cultural Anthropology, Ethnology, Ethnolinguistics, and Language and Management to China, offering courses such as History of Contemporary China and Contemporary Chinese Society . While no formal advisees are listed, his academic mentorship is evident through editorial and collaborative work.

• History of East and Southeast Asia
• Social History of China
• Cultural History of the People's Republic of China
• +7 more

Luisa Maria Paternicò is a Full Professor of Chinese Language at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale', where she has served since 2016, advancing from Researcher to Associate Professor in 2019, and to Full Professor in 2024. She teaches Chinese Language I-IV courses across multiple degree programs including Oriental and African Languages and Cultures, Archaeology: Asia, Africa and Mediterranean, and Comparative Literatures and Cultures. Since November 2024, she has served as Coordinator of the Degree Course in Oriental and African Languages and President of the Area Committee of Oriental and African Studies, and since May 2025, as Member of the Doctoral Committee in Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean. Her research focuses on the historical development of Chinese language teaching methodologies, with particular emphasis on missionary linguistics and the European reception of Chinese languages. Paternicò's work spans historical linguistics, sinology, and applied language teaching, with recent publications analyzing early Western descriptions of Mandarin and Cantonese, missionary grammatical works, and contemporary language pedagogy. Her scholarship reveals a consistent interest in how European scholars historically approached Chinese linguistic structures and how these historical insights can inform modern language teaching. Her most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward examining the intersection of historical linguistic documentation and contemporary language pedagogy, with significant work on Jesuit missionary contributions to Chinese linguistics, comparative analyses of Mandarin and Cantonese, and practical applications for modern language instruction. These works collectively represent a sophisticated integration of historical scholarship with practical language teaching applications. FFABR (2017) – Recipient of extraordinary funding for basic research activities PhD with special merit and recognition (Sapienza University of Rome, 2014) Sapienza Ricerca 2010 Award (2010) European Association of Chinese Studies' Young Scholar Award (2010) Paternicò coordinates the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' research unit for the ERASMUS+ 'CHINGRAM (Chinese Grammar Platform)' project and serves on the Advisory Committee for the EBCL II (European Benchmarking Chinese Language II) Project. She is Vice President of the European Association of Chinese Teaching (EACT) and has been instrumental in developing standardized approaches to Chinese language assessment in Europe. Her leadership extends to numerous academic committees focused on curriculum development and quality assurance in Chinese language education. As an active researcher and academic leader, Paternicò maintains significant involvement with international research networks including the 'Religious Intersections between China and Europe on the Central Asian Routes' project and previously participated in the 'Religious Legacies in China Studies' initiative with National Taiwan University. Her current scholarly activities reflect a commitment to bridging historical linguistic research with contemporary language teaching methodologies.

• Chinese Linguistics
• History of Chinese Language Teaching
• Missionary Linguistics
• +5 more

Chiara Ghidini is an Associate Professor at the Department of Asia, Africa and Mediterranean at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale', where she teaches courses on Religions and Philosophies of East Asia, History of Religions and Ideas in East Asia, and Digital East Asia. Her academic focus centers on East Asian religious traditions, particularly Japanese intellectual history, Buddhist studies, and cross-cultural exchanges between East Asia and the Mediterranean. Dr. Ghidini's research interests span East Asian religions and philosophies, Japanese intellectual history, Buddhist studies, cultural exchange between East and Mediterranean worlds, utopian thought in East Asia, premodern Japanese rituals, and comparative religious studies. Her work demonstrates how religious traditions have shaped political structures, social relations, and cultural productions across historical contexts in East Asia. Her publication record shows a strong focus on Japanese religious thought, particularly examining how ideas of ideal societies have influenced governance models, community relations, and cultural transformations. Recent publications address topics ranging from Buddhist parody in Edo period Japan to cross-cultural philosophical exchanges between Greece and Japan. Her 2025 book 'Antichi e Uguali in dialogo' explores Mediterranean-Japanese intellectual dialogue through the works of Murakawa Kentarō and Toda Misato. Dr. Ghidini serves on multiple editorial boards including as Director of 'FORMA APERTA' (2019-present), and as Scientific Committee member for 'Il mondo in tavola', 'CIVILTÀ E RELIGIONI', 'HOMO EDENS', and 'COLLANA DI STUDI GIAPPONESI'. She has held significant institutional roles as the liaison for the University's agreements with Sophia University in Tokyo (2018-present) and the University of Manchester (2017-2020). She has supervised numerous doctoral students including Campa Marco, De Carlo Marianna, and Prosdocimo Luca at her home institution, as well as external doctoral candidates such as Farinaccia Gloria at Sapienza University of Rome and Battipaglia Sabrina at Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona. Her teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate courses on East Asian religions, philosophies, and digital humanities approaches to Asian studies.

• East Asian Religions and Philosophies
• Japanese Intellectual History
• Buddhist Studies
• +4 more

Jacopo SCARIN is a Tenure Track Researcher at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, affiliated with the Department of Asian and North African Studies and the Centre for Environmental Humanities (NICHE). He holds a PhD in Religious Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and has taught extensively on Chinese philosophy, religion, and classical language. PhD, Religious Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2012–2017) MA (cum laude), Languages and Civilisations of Eastern Asia, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (2007–2010) BA, Languages and Cultures of Eastern Asia, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (2004–2007) His research centers on Daoism in late imperial China, focusing on religious conversion, ritual and social networks, and the role of anomic events in spiritual transformation. He investigates the Longmen Quanzhen lineages, the history of the Tongbai Palace, and the lived religion of Chinese diaspora communities in Europe, especially during the pandemic. His work integrates digital humanities tools such as Social Network Analysis (SNA) using Gephi. His recent publications span from 2022 to 2024 and reflect a consistent focus on Daoist institutions, religious networks, and contemporary religious life. The articles reveal a strong interdisciplinary trend combining history, sociology of religion, and digital methods to analyze religious texts, rituals, and community dynamics in both historical and modern contexts. His scientific awards highlight international recognition: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellowship 2023 (Score: 99.60%) Seal of Excellence (2020 and 2019) EFEO Field Scholarship (2017) Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (2012) Jacopo SCARIN has been actively advising and leading research, including a major project REACCH23 under the Marie Curie Fellowship. He has held visiting research positions at Waseda University, Academia Sinica (EFEO), and currently at the National University of Singapore (2024–2025). He teaches courses such as History of Chinese Philosophy and Religions and Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture, contributing significantly to both graduate and undergraduate programs. He is affiliated with the Center for the Study of Lived Religion and the Center for the Study of Chinese Religions at Southwest Jiaotong University. He is a member of the Special List of the Order of Journalists of Veneto, reflecting his engagement with public communication of academic knowledge.

• Religious Studies
• Daoism
• Chinese Religions
• +9 more