(Tutor Prof. Caterina Satta)
Email: arianna.cattalini@unica.it

Keywords: social innovation; demographic crisis; active aging; intergenerationality; community welfare

Short bio: 

She completed a Bachelor's degree in "Languages and Communication" and a Master's degree in "Social Innovation and Communication" at the University of Cagliari. Her keen interest in social innovation inspired her to work at Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs, where she played a vital role in advancing projects focused on youth engagement and strategic communication.

Thesis abstract:

The research is grounded within the discursive field and practices of social innovation, with a focus on the Third and Fourth Age in Sardinia. It aims to critically analyse the category of "the elderly"; explore the discourse on social innovation both as a response to population ageing and as a tool for its governance, promoting what is referred to in policies as 'active ageing'; and conduct a qualitative analysis of two case studies, identifying the strengths and weaknesses that determine their success in terms of social cohesion and sustainability.

(Tutor Prof. Antonello Podda)
Email: sara.giostra@unica.it

Keywords: social and Institutional Innovation; public Policies; local Development; sustainable Urban Regeneration; political Sociology 

Short bio:

An expert in managing European funds for public administration, she has a solid knowledge of monitoring, reporting, and control procedures. Graduated with honors in Political Science, she enhanced her postgraduate education with a master's degree in EU Project Management. She is currently focused on developing territorial strategies in urban contexts, with particular attention to the role of social and institutional innovation in implementing sustainable and inclusive actions.

Thesis abstract:

The research focuses on analyzing urban regeneration processes aimed at enabling a participatory, sustainable, and inclusive city through the lens of social innovation. Deciphering the relationship between building and inhabiting entails a deep reflection aimed at understanding the ways in which urban spaces are requalified through the interaction between individuals and the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of urban life. The study seeks to explore emerging forms of social innovation in cities through collective practices of caring for common goods and processes of civic self-governance.

(Tutor Prof. Valentina Cuzzocrea)
Email: clarissa.grande@unica.it 

Keywords: the imaginaries of future sustainability; time sociology; risk sociology; young people condition applied in different social fields; gender gap

Short bio:

She received her Bachelors’ Degree in Sociology (L-40), Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro and her master’s degree in Applied Social Sciences (LM-88), Sapienza University of Rome. She is currently engaged in the University Project “Interviews for Second Generations’ Research”, Rome. She is interested in the study of time perception, the effects of risk and uncertainty society and issues of inequity and social injustice. Mainly qualitative approach.   

Thesis abstract:

This contribution aims to explore future representations of sustainability among young people, focusing on three different geographical contexts in Italy: Cagliari; Rome and Lamezia Terme. Situated within the sociological debate on youth and future, the study introduces the concept of “sustainable future” as a specific articulation of ‘collective future’, grounded in environmental and social justice. The article aims to contribute to the current literature by shedding light on how the future is narrated by younger generations across different socio-territorial settings.

(Tutor Prof. Alessandro Lovari)
Email: alessio.piscedda@unica.it

Keywords: cinema and television series; digital innovation; sociology of cultural processes; artificial intelligence; new media

Short bio:

Bachelor's degree in Communication (L-20) from the University of Cagliari, with a thesis on the social perception of AI. He subsequently obtained a Master's degree in Journalism, Public and Corporate Communication (LM-59) from the University of Bologna, exploring the role of science fiction cinema as a bridge between society and science. He is deeply interested in technology, cinema, and new media, and participates in projects aimed at enhancing digital education in schools. He is especially intrigued by the potential of digital innovation to transform culture, communication, and social relations.

Thesis abstract:

His PhD research focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence within the cultural industry, with particular attention to creative practices and audience perception. The aim is to identify how AI is transforming creative processes, professional identities, and the way cultural products are recognized and accepted, especially in the fields of cinema, publishing, and advertising. His broader research interests include cultural representations, technological innovation, and digital phenomena.

(Tutor Prof. Giovanni Sistu)
Email: danielap.villablanca@unica.it

Keywords: territory; community work; sustainable management; productive forms; territorial identity

Short bio:

She studied for five years at the University of Chile, where she obtained her degree in Geography. She worked as a territorial analyst at a foundation, primarily focused on issues of social vulnerability and childhood in the northern region of the country. Additionally, she addressed socio-environmental and heritage issues in collaboration with public institutions, mainly in the central area of Chile. These experiences provided her with the opportunity to contribute to the definition of new management strategies in various rural and urban territories, from a geographical, community, and social perspective.

Thesis abstract:

From a geographical perspective, this research aims to analyze traditional wine production situated in contexts marked by productive hegemonies, with special attention to territorial resistance practices, local heritage, and governance networks. To this end, a comparative analysis is proposed between two wine regions: one in Chile and the other in Italy. The study will be carried out through a diachronic and critical approach, allowing for an understanding of the territory in a multidimensional and systemic way, integrating both the social and the physical-natural dimensions. The goal is to generate territorial management proposals based on the knowledge and practices of each region.