CRISL – Interdisciplinary Research Centre of Local Communities

The Centre, set up in November 2012, takes the form of an internal articulation of the Department that can gather "by projects" the disciplinary contributions of various scholars (anthropologists, geographers, sociologists, but also historians and art and literature experts) interested in developing cognitive activities on the economic, social, environmental and cultural peculiarities of local communities.

Scientific activities include:

• analysis of the structure and socio-economic dynamics of territorial systems, with particular reference to Eastern Piedmont

• surveys on cultural identity, quality of life and social cohesion of communities

• studies and research on the (environmental and social) sustainability of local systems

• consultancy for public administrations and private organisations on problems and prospects for the territory

• training initiatives (didactic seminars) and dissemination initiatives (public initiatives) on the subjects under investigation

In particular, the Centre carried out these initiatives: 

• conferences and seminars on widespread society (at various Italian and foreign universities)
• European sustainable mobility project in collaboration with the Municipality of Vercelli through research training scholarships
• participatory events and a report presented at the Final Conference (Prague, April 2013)
• investigation into local mobilisation and public decisions in the Casale Monferrato Eternit case
• research-intervention on the participatory management of environmental assets (P.I.U.M.A. Project)
• scientific support in planning and implementation of territorial policies (local development, social services, differentiated urban waste collection, etc.)

Centre Manager

• prof. Gian-Luigi Bulsei