Maria Carmela Grano | Heritage Sciences and Ancient Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Carmela Grano | Heritage Sciences and Ancient Technologies | Best Researcher Award

CNR - Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale | Italy

Dr. Maria Carmela Grano is an accomplished researcher specializing in cultural heritage conservation, preventive conservation, and sustainable landscape management. She has authored 7 scholarly documents with 30 citations across 23 publications and holds an h-index of 3, reflecting her growing impact in the field of heritage science. Currently affiliated with the CNR - Institute of Heritage Science (ISPC), she contributes to European projects such as E-RIHS ERIC and ARCHE, focusing on digitalization, preventive conservation, and co-governance of cultural assets. Her work emphasizes the integration of environmental monitoring, GIS-based heritage mapping, and stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable cultural tourism. Dr. Grano has organized and contributed to numerous international conferences, including the Bilateral Italo-French Heritage Science meetings, and her publications explore topics like historical water mills, fluvial dynamics, and adaptive reuse of cultural landscapes. She has received several research fellowships and collaborated with organizations such as UNESCO Giovani and FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano). Through her interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Grano continues to advance innovative strategies for heritage preservation, combining science, community participation, and policy development to safeguard cultural assets in the context of climate and digital transitions.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Grano, M. C. (2025). Historic water mills as regenerative ecosystems: Integrating technologies, community engagement and sustainable landscape management. Cities, 162(C), 105982. ISSN 0264-2751.

Grano, M. C., Sileo, M., Innella, C., Vitulli, R., & Masini, N. (2024). Conservazione preventiva, programmata e partecipata dei beni culturali in ottica circolare: Casi studio e sfide aperte nel progetto Basilicata Heritage Smart Lab. Il Capitale Culturale, 29, 107–121. ISSN 2039-2362.

Genovese, L., Alberti, L., Colosi, F., Grano, M. C., Greco, S., Sfameni, C., Bellia, A., & Lazzari, M. (2024). Cooperation solutions for the local sustainable development of heritage communities: Role and contributions of the Faro Italia Network. In Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems. Springer.

Grano, M. C., & Scoccimarro, M. (2023). How can preventive conservation be communicated and explained to visitors and users? News in Conservation, 98, 56–61.

Quaranta, E., Pujol, T., & Grano, M. C. (2023). The repowering of vertical axis water mills preserving their cultural heritage: Techno-economic analysis with water wheels and Turgo turbines. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development. Emerald Publishing.

Di Stefano, A., Vitulli, R., & Grano, M. C. (2021). Piano di sviluppo regionale sui settori delle industrie culturali e creative e del turismo. Basilicata Creativa.

Grano, M. C. (2021). Le chiese rupestri di Murgia Timone a Matera: Dalla conoscenza alla conservazione programmata: La diagnostica come strumento di prevenzione. In F. Castelfranchi & M. Lazzari (Eds.), Il Parco della storia dell’uomo di Matera. Chiese rupestri e Villaggio neolitico di Murgia Timone (pp. 125–159). Doconline. ISBN 978-88-946344-0-2.

Grano, M. C. (2020b). Gualchiere, mulini idraulici e cisterne: L’uso dell’acqua e le trasformazioni del paesaggio in Basilicata. Agri Centuriati: An International Journal of Landscape Archaeology, 17, 47–57. ISSN 1724-904X.

Grano, M. C. (2020a). Palombari, cisterne e pozzi per l’approvvigionamento idrico nei Sassi di Matera (Basilicata). Il Capitale Culturale, 21, 377–389.

Grano, M. C. (2018). Archive sources and field surveys used to analyse horizontal-wheeled watermills, their position and technology in the Basilicata Region of Southern Italy. International Molinology, 97, 13–19.

Grano, M. C., Lazzari, M., Danese, M., & Verrastro, V. (2018). ASTER BASILICATAE: Atlante cartografico storico-territoriale della Basilicata per la ricostruzione diacronica del paesaggio naturale e storico rurale. In Atti del XXXII Convegno Geografico Italiano (pp. 167–176).

 

Paul Fenton | Arts and Humanities | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Paul Fenton | Arts and Humanities | Excellence in Research Award

Sorbonne Université | France

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Paul B. Fenton began his scholarly journey with Rabbinical studies, laying a strong foundation in religious and classical texts. He pursued his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Semitic Studies at Strasbourg University, completing them in 1972. His academic rigor led him to the Sorbonne, where he earned his Doctorate in 1976, focusing on Jewish Civilization within Islamic contexts—a theme that would become central to his lifelong research.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Fenton’s academic career is marked by prestigious appointments across leading universities. He served as a Research Assistant at the Taylor-Schechter Genizah Research Unit, University of Cambridge (1978–1983), later becoming Assistant Professor at Lyons University (1983–1991). He held a Full Professorship in Hebrew at Strasbourg University (1992–1997) before joining the Sorbonne, where he became Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Jewish Studies and Co-Director of the Department of Arabic and Hebrew Studies. His global presence is further highlighted through visiting professorships at major institutions including Hebrew University (Jerusalem), Yeshiva University (New York), Bar-Ilan University, and University College London.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Fenton is celebrated for his deep exploration of Jewish life, mysticism, and philosophy in Islamic lands. His scholarship spans over 300 articles and more than 20 major books, many of which examine Judeo-Arabic manuscripts, Jewish mysticism, and interfaith intellectual exchanges. Notable works include:

  • Obadyah Maimonides’ Treatise of the Pool (1981)

  • L’Exil au Maghreb (2010, 2nd ed. 2012)

  • The Pogrom of Fez 1912 (2012)

  • A Thousand Year Exile in the Maghreb (2022)

His research has brought rare manuscripts to light and preserved centuries of Jewish-Arabic cultural interaction for future scholarship.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Fenton's expertise and academic leadership have earned him invitations to premier universities worldwide, a testament to the esteem in which he is held. His role as editor and translator of critical texts, often from original manuscripts, has cemented his place as a leading authority in Jewish and Islamic interrelations, especially regarding Jewish life under Islamic rule.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Fenton’s work has significantly reshaped our understanding of the Jewish experience in Islamic lands, uncovering the shared philosophical and mystical traditions of Jews and Muslims in the Middle Ages. His pioneering analyses of Judeo-Arabic texts and commentaries have helped bridge cultural divides and fostered scholarly dialogue between East and West.

🕊️ Legacy and Future Contributions

As a scholar, editor, and educator, Prof. Paul B. Fenton leaves a rich legacy of intercultural scholarship. His work continues to influence researchers in Jewish Studies, Arabic Studies, and Religious History. Through his extensive publications and ongoing presence on academic platforms like Academia.edu, his insights remain vital to both current and future scholars exploring the complex tapestry of Jewish-Muslim relations.

Publications

📄Article Title: Jews and Judaism in the Poetry and Prose of the Persian Sufi Abū Sa‘īd-i Abū l-Ḫayr (967–1049 CE): An Approach to the Religious Other in Medieval Islamic Society
Author: Paul B. Fenton
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025

📄Article Title: Neoplatonic Remanences in a Judeo-Arabic Commentary on the Song of Songs
Author: P.B. Fenton (Paul B. Fenton)
Journal: Studia Graeco-Arabica
Year: 2022

📘 Book Title: A Thousand Year Exile in the Maghreb: Sources and Documents
Author: Paul B. Fenton
Publisher: Bar Ilan University Press, Ramat Gan
Year: 2022
Language: Hebrew

Xi Li | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xi Li | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Normal University | China

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Xi Li's academic journey began with a strong foundation in Chinese history. In 2021, she completed her Doctorate at Tsinghua University, where she specialized in the study of Sui and Tang social life history, women's history, and Buddhist history. Her deep interest in these subjects led her to explore the intersection of religion, society, and gender in medieval China.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

In 2022, Dr. Li furthered her expertise by becoming a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of South Asian Studies at Peking University. Under the guidance of her co-tutor Zhan Ru, Dr. Li expanded her research to explore South Asian influences on Chinese history, particularly focusing on the cultural and religious exchanges that shaped medieval Chinese society.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Li has made notable contributions to the understanding of Chinese Buddhist rituals and gender dynamics in historical practices. One of her key publications, "Buddhist Ritual of Offering During the Tang: An Approach Based on the Colophons of Fangshan Stone Scriptures" (Wen Shi, 2019), investigates the rituals associated with Buddhist offerings during the Tang Dynasty, providing new insights into religious practices of the time. Her research on the Bon-odori festival, titled "To Save Father or Mother—A review upon the medieval Bon-odori Festival from the perspective of gender" (Journal of Chinese Literature and History, 2019), offers a gendered perspective on this traditional festival, shedding light on societal views of familial roles in medieval China. Additionally, her 2022 paper "Discussion on the change of the story of King Ajātaśatru's murder of his father and imprison of his mother" (Mt Wutai Researches) delves into the evolution of an ancient narrative and its significance in both Buddhist and historical contexts.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Li has garnered significant academic recognition for her work, particularly her contributions to Chinese history and Buddhist studies. Her articles, which have been published in reputable journals such as Wen Shi and Journal of Chinese Literature and History, are considered valuable resources for scholars in these fields. Her research has also been acknowledged by institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, reflecting her growing influence in her specialized areas of study.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Through her research, Dr. Li has had a profound impact on the field of Chinese history, especially regarding the intersections of religion, gender, and social structures. Her work has not only advanced scholarly understanding of Tang Dynasty Buddhism but has also contributed to the broader discourse on gender studies and social practices in historical China. Dr. Li’s work continues to inspire fellow historians and researchers interested in these critical areas.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Li continues to advance in her academic career, her future contributions are poised to further shape the understanding of ancient Chinese society and its historical narratives. By expanding her research on South Asian influences and refining her focus on Buddhist rituals and gender history, Dr. Li is well on her way to becoming a leading scholar in the study of medieval East Asia. Her work promises to leave a lasting legacy in both the academic community and the broader historical understanding of the region.

 

Publications

  • 📝 From Aniruddha to Upāli—Examining the Compilation of the Sutra of the Buddha’s Mother and the Formation of Chinese Buddhist Scriptures
    Author: Xi Li
    Journal: Religions
    Year: 2024
  • 📝 Buddhist Ritual of Offering During the Tang: An Approach Based on the Colophons of Fangshan Stone Scriptures
    Author: Xi Li
    Journal: Wen Shi
    Year: 2019
  • 📝 To Save Father or Mother——A review upon the medieval Bon-odori Festival from the perspective of gender
    Author: Xi Li
    Journal: Journal of Chinese Literature and History
    Year: 2019
  • 📝 Discussion on the change of the story of King Ajātaśatru's murder of his father and imprison of his mother
    Author: Xi Li
    Journal: Mt Wutai Researches
    Year: 2022