The International Center for the Humanities and Social Change established in Ca’ Foscari

The International Center for the Humanities and Social Change has been inaugurated in Venice. It was established through the initiative of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the Humanities and Social Change International Foundation, activating a research program on the effects of globalisation on contemporary society.

In the next three years, there will be 20 Ca’ Foscari researchers who will deal with global changes, inequalities, analyses of social and religious conflicts, examining their impact on all aspects of society. It is an interdisciplinary project in which Humanities play a strategic role to face the challenges of our time.

The International Center for the Humanities and Social Change is the first Centre of a network that will involve prestigious International universities and will bring together scholars from different fields.

The aim of the Center is indeed to create and develop an interdisciplinary research program in humanities and social sciences, to strengthen a dialogue with other sectors of art, science and technology, as with experts in the labor market, media and information, politics and other stakeholders. The objective is to contribute to finding answers to the most relevant and pressing problems of our contemporary society and its evolution on the technological, cultural and economic plane, providing recommendations and solutions to policy decision-makers.

The Centre was created thanks to the support of Erck Rickmers, Chairman of the Humanities and Social Change International Foundation.

Ca’ Foscari Rector Michele Bugliesi spoke on the matter: “Ca’ Foscari firmly believes in this project for which, thanks to the support of the HSC Foundation, twenty amongst scholars, researchers and PhD students will tackle current topics working in teams and collaborating with scholars from all over the world. Venice becomes the centre of a scientific activity that will investigate the social problems and cultural changes of our time. I warmly thank Erck Rickmers for wanting to support this project with Ca’ Foscari and in the city of Venice”.

Erck Rickmers, Chairman of the Humanities and Social Change International Foundation, said: “Witnessing the growing social and political challenges we face around the world,, I would like to give the Humanities a greater voice in the public debate. Today, economic influence seems predominant but we need a more holistic approach to solve contemporary global problems. Being a part-time Venetian I am happy to support this cultural capital and its renowned University Ca’ Foscari”.

The Scientific Committee of the Centre is composed of: Shaul Bassi (Director), Sabrina Marchetti, Tiziana Lippiello and Massimo Warglien.

Photo Credits. Photo made by Mayank Austen Soofi