Laura Bertini-Soldà

Laura Bertini-Soldà is a Senior Lecturer-Researcher at the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS) at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). She serves as Head of the Migration Documentation and Research Center, CRSS since 2020, and was Head of Pedagogy at Reception Centers for Unaccompanied Minors from 2023-2024. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Human and Social Sciences from the University of Neuchâtel (2014) and a Master in Anthropology, Sociology, Migrations and Cultural Differences from the same institution (2008).

Dr. Bertini-Soldà's research spans anthropology, sociology, cultural mediation, migration studies, peer education, and inclusive technologies. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in healthcare, social services, and technology design for vulnerable populations. She has led significant projects including Home automation and ICT for the elderly and disabled, Family medicine studies for the Ticino Cantonal Medical Association, and developing intercultural skills within the Cantonal Hospital Authority.

Her recent publications explore critical intersections between technology, healthcare, and social inclusion. The 2024 publication 'You deserve assistance for your work' examines audiovisual media portrayals of work and social assistance relationships, while 'Promote the equity of health products' details hospital cultural mediation innovations in Ticino. Her influential 2014 thesis 'DomesTICation' pioneered anthropological approaches to home automation design, demonstrating how cultural mediation transforms technological solutions to better serve end-users' needs.

• Home automation and ICT for the elderly and disabled: Pilot project implementing technology solutions for independent living
• Family medicine study: Analyzing current use of family doctors and demographic trends to project needs for 2030
• Intercultural skills in the Cantonal Hospital Authority: Providing overview of intercultural care practices and developing recommendations

Dr. Bertini-Soldà has presented her research at numerous conferences including the Swiss Congress for Health Professions, IEEE ANDESCON 2014 Conference in Bolivia, and various SUPSI research seminars. Her collaborative approach brings together insights from anthropology, healthcare, and technology design to address complex social challenges affecting elderly populations, migrants, and marginalized groups.