University of Warwick PhD student appointed Royal Institution Freer Trust Fellow

The Royal Institution (Ri) has announced that Warwick postgraduate student Gennaro Ambrosino has been appointed an Ri Freer Trust Fellow following a competitive open application process.

Gennaro will complete his history of science PhD research at the Royal Institution (Ri) in the forthcoming academic year. As one of only two appointed Ri Freer Trust Fellows for 2025-26, Gennaro will benefit from significant opportunities to communicate his research with the support of the Ri, as well as receiving guidance for publication plans and further research grant applications, training in science communication and engagement, and a stipend funded by the Phillip Freer Studentship Trust.

Through his PhD thesis, ‘Writing the Deep: Volcanoes, ruins and the unconscious in Italy during the Revolving Century (1760-1840)’, Gennaro gives historical insights into modern-day challenges.

Gennaro said: “The Freer Fellowship is an invaluable opportunity to complete my doctoral research while developing projects and publications that bring my work to a broader audience.

“My project explores how in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries scientific and literary responses to volcanoes, earthquakes, and deep time - especially in Southern Italy - have shaped modern understandings of nature, disaster, the unconscious, and memory. With the Royal Institution’s support, I aim to connect these historical insights to today’s urgent conversations around climate change, sustainability, and disaster resilience.

“This fellowship allows me to amplify the impact of my research, bridging science, history, and imagination in ways that resonate far beyond academia.”

Katherine Mathieson, Director of the Royal Institution, said: “I am delighted that Gennaro Ambrosino has been appointed as one of our 2025 Freer Trust Fellows. His fascinating research and excellent communication skills means he is ideally positioned to continue the Ri’s heritage of research, discovery and public engagement.”

Dr Sophie Forgan, a Trustee of the Philip Freer Studentship Trust, said: “Gennaro’s area of research has the potential to make a significant contribution at the Ri, and in turn for Gennaro to benefit from the experience and knowledge of the Ri in science engagement.

“The Freer Trust was established to support postgraduate students whose work in the history of science could make a difference and engage the public with compelling research. With applications from a wide variety of institutions, we are delighted that the judges were impressed by the range, quality and ambition of the research being undertaken.”

Gennaro will take up his Freer Fellowship at the Ri in September 2025.

ENDS

 Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Ann Baylis

ann.baylis@warwick.ac.uk / 07876 876 937

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14 August 2025