PECORELLI VALERIA

Academic Profile

I am a researcher in Human Geography with a background in Political Science (University of Milan) and a PhD in Geography from Loughborough University (UK). My doctoral research focused on constructive resistance, autonomy practices, and solidarity networks in urban contexts, with a case study on Milan.

Academic Positions

Since 2024, I have been a Tenure-Track Researcher (RTT) in Geography (GEOG-01) at the University of Insubria. Previously, I was a fixed-term researcher (RTD-A) at IULM University (2021–2024), where I also taught in the Faculty of Arts and Tourism.

My academic career includes research fellowships and assistant positions at the University of Milan-Bicocca and Loughborough University, within projects funded by the European Commission (Marie Skłodowska-Curie), the European Regional Development Fund, and regional institutions.

Teaching Experience

I have extensive teaching experience in geography, tourism studies, and territorial analysis across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My courses have included geography of tourism, cultural and urban geography, heritage studies, and geography education (including teacher training programmes).

I have taught in Italian and English at institutions including the University of Insubria, IULM University (Milan), and the University of Milan-Bicocca.

Research Projects and Leadership

I coordinate and participate in national and international research projects focused on:

urban marginality and peripheral spaces (Baronascapes)
gendered geographies and alpine spaces (La Montagna al Femminile)
sustainable tourism and overtourism in fragile environments
mountain territories and Olympic mega-events (Milano-Cortina 2026)
critical and participatory mapping practices

I am also a member of research groups involved in PRIN-funded projects on mountain geographies and spatial narratives.

Publications

My scholarly output includes:

Two monographs on urban resistance and radical geography
Numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in international and Italian A-rated journals (e.g., ACME, Gender, Place & Culture, Geotema, Documenti Geografici)
Edited volumes on critical tourism, gender geographies, and ocean literacy
Book chapters on urban space, critical tourism, environmental education, and participatory mapping
Conference proceedings published in international academic venues

My work often bridges critical theory with applied geography, particularly in relation to urban transformation, tourism, and social justice.

International Research Activity

I have presented my research at major international conferences, including the Royal Geographical Society (RGS-IBG), IGU, EUGEO, and various European and international geography and tourism conferences. My work is regularly engaged in interdisciplinary debates on urban transformation, gender, and environmental change.

Academic Service and Scientific Roles

I serve on editorial and scientific committees, including:
Editorial board member of the Bollettino della Società di Studi Geografici (A-rated journal)
Coordinator of the “Gender and Geography” working group (AGeI, 2022–2025)
Curator of academic journal sections and special issues
Peer reviewer for international journals in urban, critical, and tourism geography

Research Focus (Synthesis)
My research integrates critical, feminist, and political geography approaches to investigate how space is produced, represented, and contested. Key themes include:

urban inequalities and peripheral spaces
feminist and transfeminist spatial practices
critical toponymy and naming politics
tourism, sustainability, and mega-events
participatory and counter-cartographic practices
socio-spatial resistance and activism