The Italian Academies 1525-1700: The first intellectual networks of early modern Europe

This collaborative research project, of which I am the Principal Investigator, is of major significance for all arts and humanities disciplines. It has attracted major research grants to support its development and continuation from the AHRC. The first phase of the extended project (2006-2009), supported by an AHRC Resource Enhancement grant, produced an enhanced catalogue of materials relating to the printing and publishing activities of the Italian Learned Academies (the forerunners of eg The Royal Society, Académie Française etc) in four major centres in the period between 1530 and 1650. The second, considerably enlarged phase, has been awarded a second major research grant from the AHRC. This phase will run from 2010-2014 and will extend the catalogue of Academies publishing activities, produce original research publications, and host a number of impact events including an international conference. The collaboration partners are the British Library and the University of Reading.