Federica CICCI

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.