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Giovanni Semi is a Full Professor in Urban Sociology at the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST) at Politecnico di Torino. His academic career spans multiple institutions, with significant teaching contributions to doctoral programs at both the University of Milan and University of Turin over the past decade. University of Milan (2013-2023): Multiple cycles of Sociology and Methodology of Social Research University of Turin (2016-2018): Sociology and Methodology of Social Research His research focuses on three interconnected areas: urban studies (particularly gentrification, platform capitalism, and public spaces), migration studies (Mediterranean circulations and daily multiculturalism), and sociology (ethnographic methods, class analysis, and housing dynamics). Semi's work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical fieldwork, often employing qualitative methodologies to examine contemporary urban transformations. Semi's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the evolving nature of urban inequality, particularly examining how short-term rental platforms, post-pandemic conditions, and gentrification processes reshape urban landscapes and social relations. His work often centers on Turin as a case study while maintaining broader theoretical implications for Southern European urban contexts. As an academic, Semi has contributed significantly to methodological discussions through his practical guide to participant observation, now in its second edition. His research has appeared in prominent journals including Cities, European Urban and Regional Studies, and Identities. His work on urban sociology, particularly concerning gentrification processes and the impact of platform economies on housing markets, has established him as a significant voice in contemporary urban studies, with particular expertise on Southern European urban contexts.

• Urban Studies
• Gentrification
• Urban Sociology
• +6 more

Giulia Fini is an associate professor of Urban Planning and Techniques at the Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine. She teaches Urban Planning in the Master's Degree Program in Architecture and Urban Planning and the Bachelor's Degree Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Fini serves on the Board of Directors of INU Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Scientific Committee of Urbanpromo, and is the editor of Planum, The Journal of Urbanism. Her research bridges urban and territorial planning with a focus on regeneration of tertiary-directional districts, sustainable cities, smart urban policies, and urban-rural fringe dynamics. She explores the spatial implications of ICTs on labor, the transformation of industrial/service spaces, and the integration of luxury developments into public strategies. Recent publications address transcalar interventions in urban regeneration and comparative studies of European cities like Antwerp and Amsterdam. Giulia Fini's scholarly work spans themes such as micro-gentrification, public space privatization, peri-urban park design, and post-crisis urban revitalization. Her articles analyze the interplay between urban functionalism, territorial continuity, and the evolving role of urban planners in addressing socioeconomic dynamics. She has contributed extensively to architectural anthologies and critical urban studies, particularly on Bernardo Secchi's methodologies. Affiliated with institutions like the University of Udine and collaborating on projects in Antwerp, Milan, and Amsterdam, Fini's work emphasizes design devices for habitability, attractiveness, and territorial coherence. Her research integrates theoretical reflections with practical case studies, offering frameworks for regenerating fragmented urban landscapes and managing contemporary spatial challenges.

• Urban Planning
• Territorial Regeneration
• Sustainable Urban Development
• +3 more

Giuseppe Ricotta is a Full Professor of General Sociology at Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Social and Economic Sciences, Faculty of Political Science, Sociology, and Communication. He has extensive experience in teaching sociology courses including "Advanced Sociology" in undergraduate programs and "Sociological Theories of Development" in master's programs. Ricotta serves on the Teaching Board of the PhD in Social and Economic Sciences and the PhD of National Interest in Peace Studies at Sapienza University. Graduated with honors in Sociology in 1996 PhD in Social Systems and Public Policy Analysis in 2001 from Sapienza University of Rome Visiting Scholar at Rutgers University, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Visiting Professor at Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul and Universitat de Lleida Ricotta's research focuses on postcolonial critique and social exclusion; theories of modernization, risk, and insecurity; urban security policies and socio-territorial stigmatization. His work increasingly integrates decolonial perspectives into sociological theory, examining how coloniality structures contemporary social phenomena. He has developed significant expertise in urban sociology, particularly studying the San Lorenzo district in Rome, analyzing issues of gentrification, urban security, and social exclusion. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward decolonial sociology, with numerous works examining coloniality in social stratification, urban stigmatization, and health inequalities. Ricotta frequently employs interdisciplinary approaches, connecting sociology with public health, education, and urban studies. His research shows particular attention to how marginalized communities experience and resist various forms of exclusion. Member of the Teaching Board of the PhD in Social and Economic Sciences Member of the Teaching Board of the PhD of National Interest in PEACE STUDIES Principal investigator for "Urban Safety and Revitalization Processes in the San Lorenzo District, Rome. Sociological Analysis and Policy Proposals" Ricotta has conducted extensive research on urban security policies in Italy, examining the relationship between neoliberalism and new punitiveness. His work on the San Lorenzo neighborhood in Rome explores issues of "movida" (nightlife), studentification, and hipification. He has also contributed significantly to understanding social exclusion and marginality in urban areas through a decolonial lens, analyzing how territorial stigmatization operates as a mechanism of social control and spatial segregation.

• Postcolonial critique
• Social exclusion
• Theories of modernization
• +7 more

Fabio Amato is a Full Professor of Geography at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale', where he has been teaching since 2002. He was appointed Associate Professor in November 2014 and became a Full Professor on December 30, 2021. He teaches Social and Cultural Geography for undergraduate programs and Urban Geography and International Migration for graduate programs across multiple departments including Humanities and Social Sciences, Asian, African and Mediterranean Studies, and Comparative Literatures and Cultures. Amato earned his Political Science degree from the Istituto Universitario Orientale in Naples in 1992, followed by a DEA in Nature, Environment, Sociétés from the University of Caen, France in 1994, and a PhD in Economic Geography from 'La Sapienza' University of Rome in 2000. His academic journey began with administrative work at the University of Naples from 1998-2002, heading the External Relations and Media Relations Office, before transitioning to academic research and teaching. His research focuses on urban and social geography with particular emphasis on Naples, Southern Italy, and disadvantaged areas. Migration flows and urban space transformation are central themes in his work, as evidenced by his publications and national research projects. Over the past decade, he has expanded his research to explore social geography evolution, especially cultural geography, through the lens of popular geopolitics. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical research, often incorporating fieldwork and direct observation. Amato's publication record shows consistent scholarly output since the late 1990s, with a clear focus on migration studies, urban geography, and Mediterranean geopolitics. His work demonstrates a progression from local Naples-focused studies to broader Mediterranean and international migration patterns. The publications reveal strong engagement with both theoretical developments in geography and practical applications to contemporary urban challenges, particularly regarding immigrant integration and urban space transformation. As an academic advisor, Amato has supervised numerous theses at both undergraduate and graduate levels since 2002. He has served as research director for doctoral theses on topics including gentrification, international migration in Istanbul, migration in the Mediterranean, and geopolitics of water. He has also participated in selection committees for doctoral programs at multiple Italian universities and served as president of a thesis jury at the University of Paris Créteil in November 2020. Amato has been actively involved in numerous research projects, including European initiatives like Mila (Equal) on undeclared work in agriculture, regional projects on immigrant housing conditions, and national research programs of interest (PRIN). Since 2023, he has served as Principal Investigator for the Naples Unit of the PRIN 'Next cities for whom? Imaginaries, resources and inequalities in urban fragments (NEXT-CITIES)'. He has also organized international conferences and been a member of scientific committees for annual Italian-French meetings of social geography since 2009.

• Urban Geography
• Social Geography
• Cultural Geography
• +5 more

Luis Antonio Martín Sánchez is a Research Fellow at the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST) and an External Lecturer at the College of Architecture and Design of Politecnico di Torino. His work bridges urban studies, territorial planning, and sustainable development. Research Interests : Contemporary city, post-metropolitan urbanism, future cities and societies, sustainable urban development, digital technologies in urbanism, and work-life balance in urban spaces. Recent Publications : Focus on topics like the Metaverse and virtual urbanism, post-pandemic urban planning , hidden champions in Italian capitalism , and work-life balance in Brussels . His scholarship integrates blockchain applications , heritage-capital dynamics , and productive territories into urban discourse. Teaching : Has taught City and Territory Atelier E (Urban Planning Module) and Urban Design Workshop at Politecnico di Torino from 2020/21 to 2024/25, primarily as a Course Lecturer and Collaborator. Contact : luis.martin@polito.it

• Contemporary City
• Post-metropolitan City
• Future Cities and Societies
• +7 more

Caterina Caprioli is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), Politecnico di Torino. She is affiliated with the College of Architecture and Design and the Planning and Design College as an invited member. Her academic work spans teaching, research, and PhD supervision in the fields of urban and regional planning, real estate appraisal, and environmental impact assessment. Scientific Branch: CEAR-03/C – Real Estate Appraisal and Project Evaluation Area: 0008 – Civil Engineering and Architecture Her research interests focus on participatory planning, multicriteria analysis, sustainable urban development, UNESCO heritage site management, and post-Olympic legacy. She integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate urban projects and support strategic decision-making in planning processes. Her recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on urban regeneration, heritage conservation, and event legacy, often using case studies from Turin. These works frequently employ multicriteria and multi-agent systems to support complex planning decisions. She regularly publishes in conference proceedings (especially ICCSA) and contributes to edited volumes on urban sustainability and policy. Notable collaborations include Marta Bottero, Egidio Dansero, and PhD student Sebastiano Barbieri. While no scientific awards are listed, her consistent publication output and supervisory role indicate active research engagement. Supervised PhD Student: Sebastiano Barbieri (Urban and Regional Development, 39th cycle, 2023–ongoing) Research Grants: Not explicitly mentioned She is involved in several research initiatives related to UNESCO site management, urban regeneration driven by university growth, and the evaluation of major events. Her work contributes to both academic discourse and practical urban policy development.

• Urban Planning
• Regional Planning
• Real Estate Appraisal
• +7 more

Salvatore Cannizzaro is a Full Professor of Geography at the University of Catania, where he teaches Cultural Geography, Landscape and Environmental Geography, and Geography Teaching. He is a leading scholar in cultural and tourism geography, with a strong focus on Sicily and the Mediterranean region, particularly in the areas of territorial development, ecomuseums, and cultural heritage. His research interests include cultural geography, tourism geography, environmental geography, territorial development, ecomuseums, local identity, landscape studies, and Mediterranean studies. These interests are reflected in his extensive publication record and leadership in academic projects. The recent articles highlight a consistent focus on cultural heritage, tourism, and territorial dynamics in Sicily. Trends include the valorization of industrial and natural heritage (e.g., sulfur mining, Etna), the interplay between culture and sustainable development, and the role of identity and narrative in geographical studies. His work often bridges academic research with practical applications in regional planning and heritage management. Coordinator of the national research group Ecomuseum Network for the Promotion of Local Identities , Association of Italian Geographers Editor of the Atlante publishing series, Pontecorboli Editore Scientific coordinator of the "Euro-Mediterranean" commission, Italian Society of Tourism Sciences (SISTUR) Director of the "Mediterranean Observatory 2010" research project He has supervised numerous graduate theses and mentored researchers such as Dr. Antonio Danese and Dr. Sandro Privitera. His leadership extends to administrative roles, including Deputy Director of the ProGeo Research Center and Vice President of the Regional Agency for the Right to Education at the University of Catania. He has also contributed to regional policy through participation in commissions on landscape quality and environmental recovery. Cannizzaro leads and coordinates multiple research and cultural initiatives, including the Ecomuseum "Riviera dei Ciclopi," the Ecomuseum Valle del Loddiero, and the Area Marina Protetta "Isole dei Ciclopi." He is actively involved in the Centro di ricerca Geo-Cartografico di Studi e Documentazione (GeCo) at the University of Trento, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Cultural Geography
• Tourism Geography
• Environmental Geography
• +7 more

Silvia Lucciari is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social and Economic Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome. She specializes in economic sociology, urban studies, and social policy, with particular focus on labor markets, creative industries, and urban development in Italy and Europe. Her research interests span several interconnected areas: Urban Sociology: Examining urban transformations, regeneration processes, and spatial inequalities in cities like Rome Labor Market Studies: Analyzing contemporary work patterns including gig economy, remote work, and creative labor Social Policy: Investigating welfare systems, social services, and institutional responses to social challenges Community Development: Studying bottom-up initiatives and creative practices in neighborhood contexts Professor Lucciari's publication record demonstrates consistent engagement with evolving social phenomena, particularly how urban spaces, labor markets, and social policies intersect. Her recent work shows increasing attention to digital transformations of work, urban sustainability challenges, and innovative community responses to social issues. She frequently employs comparative and multi-scalar analytical frameworks that connect micro-level experiences with broader structural conditions. Her scientific contributions include: Numerous peer-reviewed articles in international journals Book chapters in edited volumes on Mediterranean models and comparative social policy Research projects examining urban development and labor market transformations Professor Lucciari teaches courses including "Organization of Social Services" and "Economic Sociology" to students in Social Work Sciences and Sociology programs. Her research projects include "What's happening in the city?" which examines labor intermediaries in urban areas, and "NEREIDE New REGulation for Inclusive Development."

• Economic Sociology
• Urban Sociology
• Labor Market Studies
• +5 more

Elena De Angelis is a Tenured Associate Professor at the Polytechnic University of Turin, holding a position in the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Project and Policies (DIST). She serves as Deputy Coordinator of the Planning and Design College and is a member of the Interdepartmental Centre R3C (Responsible Risk Resilience Centre). Additionally, she acts as Scientific Advisor to the European Association EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium). Her research focuses on applied mathematics, mathematical modeling in life sciences, and urban resilience. Key projects include the TReE initiative (2023-2025) for ecological economy transitions in Italian cities and prior EU-funded research such as SAFECITI (2014-2016) and EVACUATE (2013-2017). She teaches courses in mathematical analysis and territorial planning, contributing to doctoral programs in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her publications emphasize system dynamics models, resilience assessment frameworks, and agent-based modeling for urban regeneration and environmental systems. Notable works include applications to winemaking regions (Douro Valley) and green gentrification dynamics. She advises PhD students on urban development models and collaborates with institutions like the R3C Centre and EPIC.

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Modeling in Life Sciences
• Urban Resilience
• +3 more

Luis Antonio Martin Sanchez is a Research Fellow at the Interuniversity Department of Territorial Sciences, Planning and Policies (DIST) under Politecnico di Torino . He serves as an External Lecturer and Teaching Assistant in the College of Architecture and Design, focusing on Urban Planning modules from 2020 to 2025. His work intersects contemporary urbanism , sustainable cities , and post-metropolitan development , with expertise in ERC Sector SH7_7 and alignment with SDG 11 . Current Teaching Roles Course Lecturer (2022–2025) for Atelier Città e Territorio E (Urban Planning Module) in Architecture programs Course Collaborator (2020–2022) for Urban Design Workshops Research Themes Exploration of hidden industrial territories and fourth capitalism in Italy Analysis of metaverse urbanism , blockchain applications in circular economies, and post-pandemic city models Critique of technocratic planning through works like Contro la dittatura dei competenti Publications 15+ peer-reviewed contributions (2017–2025) including a 2025 book on Hidden Territories and 2024 proceedings on Transformative Hope Collaborations with scholars like Margherita Gori Nocentini, Camilla Rondot, and Elena Longhin Skills Specialized in urban regeneration , industrial district analysis , and digital urban platforms Active in STS conferences and IFoU (International Forum on Urbanism)

• Contemporary City
• Post-metropolitan City
• Future Cities and Societies
• +4 more

Alberto Hidalgo is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of the Balearic Islands. His research focuses on regional and urban economics, particularly the socio-economic impacts of tourism on urban environments. He investigates how tourism-driven phenomena like short-term rentals reshape urban landscapes, displacing local businesses and altering consumption patterns. Dr. Hidalgo holds a PhD in Economics from IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, a Master's degree in Economics from Aix-Marseille School of Economics, and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. His work emphasizes empirical analysis, such as his Job Market Paper analyzing hotel openings in Madrid (2001–2010) using protected buildings data as an instrumental variable. Findings highlight tourism's dual role in stimulating local employment and real estate markets while creating spatial disparities. Recent studies explore pandemic effects on accommodation pricing and post-COVID resilience strategies in the hotel sector. His research bridges urban policy and tourism economics, offering insights into sustainable urban development.

• Regional Economics
• Urban Economics
• Tourism Impact Analysis
• +3 more

Panagiotis Bourlessas is a Fixed-term Researcher (Assistant Professor) in Geography at the Department of History, Archaeology, Geography, Arts and Entertainment (SAGAS), University of Florence, Italy, since September 2021. Previously, he held research fellowships at the University of Turin (2019-2021) focusing on urban studies. His educational background includes a PhD in Urban Studies (2014-2018) from Gran Sasso Science Institute and Sant'Anna University, a UNICA Joint Master in Urban Studies (2011-2013) across five European universities, and a Master's in Business Administration (2004-2011) from Athens University of Economics and Business. Bourlessas specializes in socio-cultural urban geographies, examining themes of urban marginality , spaces of care , retail gentrification , and body-space relations through ethnographic and visual methodologies. His fieldwork in Athens, Turin, and Florence investigates how marginalized populations navigate urban spaces, with particular attention to homelessness, food consumption practices, and sensory experiences in commercial environments. His recent publications (2021-2025) reveal a concentrated focus on foodification processes in Italian cities, analyzing how food markets drive retail gentrification in Turin and Florence. Parallel research explores homeless geographies through institutional care spaces and innovative artistic interventions like dance performances and multimedia installations that reframe urban foodscapes. No scientific awards are documented in the available records. While no formal advising roles are specified, Bourlessas collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects including the "I live in Florence" urban laboratory and performance-based geographical inquiries. His office hours are held weekly in Studio 118 with email appointments required. He actively participates in collaborative teams developing public geography initiatives, particularly through artistic-urban interventions at Florence's Sant'Ambrogio marketplace and Porta Palazzo market in Turin, merging academic research with community engagement through food-centered spatial practices.

• Social geographies
• Cultural geographies
• Visual methods
• +8 more

Barbara Staniscia is an Associate Professor at the Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies of Sapienza University of Rome , specializing in human mobility, urban and regional development, and environmental conflicts. She serves as Scientific Secretary for the International Geographical Union Commission on GLOBILITY Global Change and Human Mobility . Education : Bachelor in Economics (LUISS University, Rome), Master in Local Development (Université Paris XIII), Ph.D. in Economic Geography (University of Bari) Her research explores: Human mobility (permanent/temporary, production/consumption-led) Tourism geography (overtourism, touristification, sustainability) Regional development (coastal areas, Mediterranean diet, enogastronomic tourism) Environmental conflicts (natural parks, climate change impacts) Recent publications focus on: Gentrification in Rome's historic center (2025) Coastal environmental conflicts in Italy (2024) Pandemic impacts on cross-border tourism (2023) Foodscapes and urban development (2023) She leads the Italian team for the EU Horizon project Re-Place and collaborates with international institutions like the International Research School of Planetary Sciences . Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications in coastal regions and historic cities.

• Human mobility
• Tourism geography
• Urban and regional development
• +3 more

Teresa Graziano serves as Associate Professor of Economic and Political Geography at the University of Catania's Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment within the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DI3A). She holds concurrent positions as Associate Director of Studies at the Fondation Maison Sciences de l'Homme in Paris and Scientific Director of the PRIN 2022 'PULP' research project focused on place-based unfolding and local participation in National Recovery and Resilience Plans. Her research expertise spans urban geography and territorial processes, with specialized focus on gentrification dynamics, urban renewal strategies, and tourism practices in both conventional and smart city contexts. She investigates inner and marginal areas through the lens of territorial co-planning models while examining how digital technologies transform physical and virtual spaces. Associate Professor of Economic and Political Geography (2021-present) National Scientific Qualification as Full Professor (2022) Principal Investigator of RISE project on Urban regeneration and Social Equity Co-coordinator of the GeoUrban working group of the Association of Italian Geographers Regional Trustee for Sicily of the Italian Geographical Society (since 2020) Scientific Recognition Costantino Caldo Prize from University of Palermo with Association of Italian Geographers (2022) Annual Award of the Italian Geographical Society for Young Geographers (2016) Dr. Graziano maintains active international research collaborations across Europe and serves as referee for numerous academic journals. She has presented research at over eighty national and international conferences and contributes to editorial boards for multiple geographical publication series. Her work integrates advanced digital methodologies including network analysis tools like Gephi and Hyphe to examine territorial transformations.

• Urban Geography
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• +4 more

Sebastiano Barbieri is a Ph.D. candidate in Urban and Regional Development at Politecnico di Torino (39th cycle, 2023-2026). He is affiliated with the Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST) and the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD), serving as an external lecturer and teaching assistant. His research focuses on participatory urban planning, cultural heritage adaptive reuse, UNESCO World Heritage management, and sustainable energy communities. Ph.D. Advisors: Marta Carla Bottero, Marco Valle, Caterina Caprioli Teaching Roles: Collaborator for courses on Architecture and Urban Economics, Landscape and Environmental Planning, and Urban Planning at Politecnico di Torino His recent publications examine urban regeneration driven by student populations, tourist carrying capacity in heritage sites, and hedonic models for urban transformation. He has presented at international conferences in Istanbul, Hanoi, Athens, and Torino, with a focus on spatial analysis, gentrification, and sustainable development. His work bridges practical planning challenges with academic evaluation frameworks.

• Urban Planning
• Cultural Heritage Management
• Sustainable Tourism
• +3 more