A reader in literary linguistics and co-director of the Aston Stylistics Research Group at Aston University has completed a prestigious visiting research fellowship (VRF) at the University of South Australia (UniSA).

Dr Marcello Giovanelli’s three-week tenure at the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion was marked by significant contributions to both academic collaboration and the international research community.

The VRF scheme at UniSA invites leading scholars from across the globe to contribute to ongoing research projects, promote international collaboration and inspire new research directions.

During his fellowship, Dr Giovanelli led a session for postgraduate students and researchers on developing reader response methodologies, promoting innovative approaches to text analysis.

Dr Giovanelli also led sessions on reader response methodologies and Text World Theory, fostering innovative research approaches. He collaborated with a specialist in clinical pain neuroscience to explore pain representations in children's literature, leading to future research.

He also delivered an invited talk on cognitive poetics at a symposium and served as keynote speaker on stylistics and children's literature at the Australian Association for the Teaching of English/Australian Literacy Educators' Association (AATE/ALEA) Conference.

Dr Giovanelli’s existing work continues to gain international recognition. His book is currently used as part of the New South Wales Independent Schools Association's CPD programme and he has initiated discussions with Queensland's Curriculum and Assessment Authority to collaborate on English curriculum development.

Dr Giovanelli said:

“It was an honour to participate in the visiting research scholarship and my time at UniSA has already opened new avenues for impactful collaborations.

“It was a rewarding experience to engage with such a vibrant academic community and contribute to meaningful research. The connections made during my fellowship will undoubtedly lead to exciting future collaborations, including in the field of Allied Health.

“I look forward to exploring further synergies, particularly the potential for interdisciplinary connections with Allied Health at Aston University.”

Mark McCormack, professor of sociology and deputy dean research for the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:

“I am delighted by Marcello’s work, as it reflects the outstanding progress we’re making in fostering impactful research collaborations.

“Engaging in these interdisciplinary projects not only strengthens our academic community but also contributes to real-world solutions that benefit society.

“This aligns perfectly with Aston University’s commitment to being an inclusive and transformational institution, working towards socio-economic change both locally and globally.”