MARIELLA NOCENZI

MARIELLA NOCENZI
Full Professor of Sociology
Department of Human Sciences
Communication, Education and Psychology
LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
Email: m.nocenzi1@lumsa.it

Mariella Nocenzi is a sociologist whose research examines social transformations in the context of sustainability transitions, global risks and changing gender relations. Her work connects sociological theory with empirical research on socio-ecological change, intersectionality and the future of democratic societies. She has contributed to international debates on sustainability as a sociological paradigm and on the role of gender and social innovation in contemporary transformations.
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Research Interests
Sociological theory and social change; sustainability and socio-ecological transitions; gender studies and intersectionality; social futures and risk society; digital transformation and society; social innovation and education; Mediterranean social dynamics.
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Academic Positions
2024 – present
Full Professor of Sociology (GSPS/05-A)
LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
2021 – 2024
Associate Professor in Sociology (GSPS/05-A)
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
2010 – 2021
Researcher in Sociology (GSPS/05-A)
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
2005 – 2010
Research Fellow in General Sociology
Sapienza University of Rome
2001 – 2005
Research contracts in Sociology
Sapienza University of Rome

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Academic Leadership and Institutional Roles
President (2017–present)
Interuniversity Observatory on Gender, Equality and Equal Opportunities
Coordinator (2017–present)
International Observatory on Social Theory for New Technologies and Sustainability (Sostenibilia)
Board Member (2007–present)
Gender Studies Section – Italian Sociological Association
Assistant Editor (2005–present)
International Review of Sociology

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Research Activities and Projects
Research activities focus on:
• sustainability and socio-ecological transitions
• gender equality and intersectional approaches
• social theory and cultural change
• digital technologies and social transformations
Participation in several national and international research projects on:
• social attitudes of university students
• European identity and citizenship
• sustainability governance
• gender and social change
• social movements and participation.
Research collaborations include institutions such as:
• European Science Foundation
• Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
• National Research Council (CNR)
• various Italian universities and international academic networks.
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Major Research Projects
INTERGEN – Intergenerational Transitions, Sustainability and Social Innovation in Italian Internal Areas
2023–2025 – PNRR / GRINS Project
Role: Scientific contributor and research coordinator for sociological and transdisciplinary analysis
Description: Research project exploring socio-ecological transitions and intergenerational dynamics in Italian internal areas through a transdisciplinary approach combining sociology, sustainability studies and territorial development.
STEMMA – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Motivation and Accessibility
2023–2026 – International research project
Role: Scientific coordination and research contribution
Description: Project focusing on gender equality, accessibility and inclusive education in STEM fields, with particular attention to intersectionality and the participation of underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities.
SUSEDI – Route to Transformation of Educational Institutions through a Holistic Approach to Sustainability
2022–2025 – European project on sustainability education
Role: Research partner and contributor
Description: Project aimed at transforming higher education institutions through sustainability-oriented learning environments, transdisciplinary research practices and innovative pedagogical approaches.
Sostenibilia – International Observatory on Social Theory for New Technologies and Sustainability
2017–present – Sapienza University of Rome
Role: Coordinator
Description: Observatory dedicated to the study of sustainability, technological change and social theory, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between sociology, environmental studies and digital innovation.
Interuniversity Observatory on Gender, Equality and Equal Opportunities
2009–present – Italian university network
Role: President
Description: Interuniversity research network promoting gender equality research, gender mainstreaming policies and interdisciplinary collaboration among Italian universities.
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Research Impact and Knowledge Transfer
Mariella Nocenzi’s research connects sociological theory with societal challenges related to sustainability transitions, gender equality and social innovation. Her work contributes to fostering dialogue between academic research, public institutions and civil society, promoting interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary social transformations.
Examples of research impact include:
• Gender equality policies and academic networks – Contribution to the development of research and policy dialogue through the Interuniversity Observatory on Gender, Equality and Equal Opportunities, promoting collaboration among Italian universities on gender equality initiatives.
• Sustainability and socio-ecological transitions – Coordination of the International Observatory Sostenibilia, fostering interdisciplinary research and public debate on sustainability and technological transformations.
• Educational innovation and knowledge dissemination – Development of interdisciplinary educational activities and academic initiatives integrating sustainability and gender perspectives in higher education.
• Research networks and societal dialogue – Participation in national and international research networks and conferences addressing social change, sustainability and gender relations
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Teaching Experience
Courses taught in Sociology and Social Sciences at undergraduate and graduate level:
• Sociology
• Social Policies for Cooperation
• Social Analysis of the Metropolis
• Consumer Behaviour and Consumer Satisfaction
• Research Methods in Social Sciences
• Sociology of Political Phenomena
• Sociology of Change
• Social Planning for Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusion

Teaching institutions include:
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Verona
• University of Florence – Carabinieri Training School (Velletri)
• LUMSA University of Rome

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Invited Talks and Keynote Lectures (selected)
Invited Speaker
International conferences and academic events on sociology, sustainability and social change, including meetings organized by:
• European Sociological Association (ESA)
• Italian Sociological Association (AIS)
• International Institute of Sociology
• various international universities and research centres.
Selected lectures include contributions on:
• sustainability as a paradigm for the social sciences
• gender relations and social transformations
• youth, future imaginaries and social change
• sociological perspectives on risk and uncertainty.
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Selected Academic Contributions
Research publications include numerous articles and chapters on:
• gender relations and social change
• sustainability and environmental sociology
• youth and political participation
• cosmopolitanism and global society
• governance and social policies.
Her work has appeared in journals and edited volumes including:
• International Review of Sociology
• Sicurezza e Scienze Sociali
• The Lab’s Quarterly
• Springer academic volumes on sustainability and social theory.

Complete list of publications available on ORCID / institutional webpage https://lumsa.it/it/docenti/mariella-nocenzi

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Selected Books
Nocenzi, M. (2023). Dal cambiamento alla transizione. Ripensare la società fra crisi e sostenibilità. Milan: FrancoAngeli.
Nocenzi, M., Zocchi, A. M., Longo, M., & Fornari, F. (2022). Sguardi sul mondo. La sociologia come scienza e le fonti letterarie. Milan: FrancoAngeli.
Ferrari Occhionero, M., & Nocenzi, M. (2009). Equilibri di genere in Europa. Rome: Aracne.
Nocenzi, M. (2007). Valori nella società civile globale. Una riflessione attraverso le teorie di Amitai Etzioni. Rome: Lithos.
Nocenzi, M. (2002). Vivere con l’incertezza. Sociologia, politica e cultura del rischio ambientale. Milan: FrancoAngeli.
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Journal Articles and Chapters in Edited Volumes (selected)
Nocenzi, M., Crespi, I. (2024). The Sociology of Gender in Italy: From Marginal to Mainstream (eds.), in The American Sociologist.
Nocenzi, M., & Sannella, A. (Eds.). (2020). Perspectives for a New Social Theory of Sustainability. Cham: Springer.
Nocenzi, M. (2020). Some Remarks for a New Sociological Theory of Sustainability. In M. Nocenzi & A. Sannella (Eds.), Perspectives for a New Social Theory of Sustainability. Springer.
Nocenzi, M., & Gianturco, G. (2020). Technological and Cultural Dimensions of a Safe MIL City. In M. Higuchi Yanaze & F. Chibás Ortiz (Eds.), From Smart Cities to MIL Cities. São Paulo.
Nocenzi, M., (2019). Globalization and Gender Implications. Editorial”. Glocalism: Journal of Culture, Politics and Innovation.
Nocenzi, M., Gianturco, G., Colella, F., (2017). “Migratory and Intercultural Processes form a Gender Perspective: the Changing Roles of Migrant Women in the Countries of Origin and Destination, themed section, International Review of Sociology.
Nocenzi, M. (2017). Gender Relations and Social Transformations in Contemporary Societies. In AIS Gender Studies Section (Ed.), Sotto la lente del genere. Milan: FrancoAngeli.
Nocenzi, M. (2015). Feminisms and Academia: Cultural Climate and Research Perspectives in Italy and Europe. In R. Fontana (Ed.), Women in the Italian Academy. Milan: Mondadori.

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Education
PhD in Sociology of Culture and Political Processes
Sapienza University of Rome - 2001
Thesis: The Environmental Risk in EU Policies: How Can We Live with Uncertainty?
MA in Political Science – International Political Studies
Sapienza University of Rome - 1996
Grade: 110/110 cum laude
Thesis: Television and the Perception of Risk
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Languages
Italian – Native
English – Fluent
Spanish – Fluent
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Academic and Scientific Activities
• Organizer and chair of international conferences and workshops on sociology, sustainability and gender studies.
• Participant and speaker at numerous international conferences including events organized by the European Sociological Association and the Italian Sociological Association.
• Editorial and peer-review activity for academic journals in sociology and social sciences.
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Additional Professional Activities
• Member of the Italian Sociological Association (AIS).
• Member of editorial committees and academic networks on sustainability and gender studies.
• Scientific collaboration with research centres and academic institutions in Italy and abroad.