Report: TNA Fellowship in Bologna
One‑Week TNA Fellowship in Bologna: Exchange with ITSERR and RESILIENCE RI
In January 2026, I spent a week in Bologna as part of a Trans-National Access (TNA) fellowship, funded by ITSERR. During this visit, I engaged in an intensive exchange with colleagues from the ITSERR initiative (Italian Strengthening of the ESFRI RI RESILIENCE), situated in Palermo, on the organisation and governance of large interdisciplinary research networks.
I also participated in the meeting of the RESILIENCE Research Infrastructure (RI) and its Advisory Board, where the results of the initial funding phase—ending in May 2026—were presented and priorities for the 2026–28 implementation phase discussed.
Since early 2025, when the second phase of the URPP began, we have acted as an observer of RESILIENCE RI, a European Commission–funded initiative establishing a research infrastructure for the Study of Religion. In my role as Research Manager, I serve as the URPP’s (and the Faculty of Theology and the Study of Religion's) primary liaison within this network.
RESILIENCE RI broadens the conventional understanding of research infrastructures, such as libraries and archives, not only by enabling access to material sources and documents across all partner universities. RESILIENCE also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and supports the growth of digital humanities through the exchange of emerging new methods and digital tools. They also develop guidelines on open science and data management and address ethical and methodological challenges associated with new technologies. The initiative intends to establish a platform for sharing digital resources and tools, define exchange formats, create exchange platforms, training programs, and partnerships with other research infrastructure networks. Given the diverse disciplines and methods investigating religious phenomena, it’s essential for RESILIENCE to also focus on training and skill development tailored to specific needs.
The stay also offered the opportunity to experience Europe’s oldest university town and its rich culinary heritage firsthand - even my colleages from Palermo were really keen on all varieties of serving tortellini: in brodo, al ragú, alla zucca, etc.
Ulvi Doguoglu is Research Manager of the URPP Digital Religion(s) and participated in a staff exchange in Bologna as part of the ITSERR TNA Fellowship.