Licia Proserpio

Dr. Licia Proserpio is an interdisciplinary scholar with a robust background in social sciences, holding a BA and MA in Cultural Anthropology, as well as a PhD in Global Politics and Cultures from the University of Bologna, Italy. Her research focuses on fieldwork conducted across Southeast and South Asia, emphasizing higher education spaces, the political dimensions of education, and the historical and contemporary roles of universities and social movements. In 2024, she has released her first book, Resistance through Higher Education: Myanmar Universities’ Struggle against Authoritarianism, published by Bristol University Press, which draws on her PhD research. She is currently working on her second book When Classrooms Drown: climate vulnerability and poverty in Pakistan written with Prof. Marie Lall that will be published in 2027 by UCL Press. Licia is committed to exploring the intersections of education, politics, and societal change. 

Since 2018, Licia has been a part of the Department of History and Culture at the University of Bologna (Italy), serving as an Adjunct Professor and Research Manager and currently Assistant Professor. Prior to this, she spent a decade in the International Relations office of the University, where she played a key role in developing and managing international projects focused on educational innovation. 

Licia's current research interests center on access and participation in higher education for displaced students, as well as the role of universities as safe spaces in South and Southeast Asia. 

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking among students through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical assignments that engage with contemporary social challenges. I believe that education should empower students to question assumptions, analyze diverse perspectives, and apply their knowledge to real-world issues. By incorporating case studies, collaborative projects, and reflective discussions, I aim to create an inclusive learning environment that encourages active participation and deepens understanding. This approach not only enhances critical thinking skills but also prepares students to become informed, responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society. 

At UPES and the University of Bologna, Licia teaches courses such as "Social Change in Contemporary Society", "Project Design and Qualitative Approaches to Research" and "Gender and Society." 

 Licia is currently PI of the project “AreUsafe? A multi-sited ethnographic study on the higher education journeys of displaced people in South and South-East Asia” financed by the Italian Ministry for University and Research. 

My scholarly activities emphasize the importance of collaborative team research. I am currently involved in a project led by UCL that examines the impact of university rankings in East Asia, which has been published in international journals. This work highlights the broader implications of academic metrics on educational systems and societal outcomes. Additionally, I am part of a research initiative investigating the impact of the Sindh floods on education, focusing on how climate-related disasters disrupt learning and community stability. Furthermore, I collaborate with archaeologists on community engagement initiatives related to heritage projects in Iraq and Uzbekistan. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a richer understanding of how heritage can foster social cohesion and resilience in affected communities. Through these diverse projects, I aim to contribute to meaningful dialogues and solutions for pressing social issues while enhancing the collaborative spirit in academic research. 

licia.Proserpio@ddn.upes.ac.in