Disgruntled doctoral student Marco Trifuoggi is giving up on Italian academia and has decided to crowdfund a Sociology PHD in the UK - he just needs €31278 Trifuoggi left a fully funded PHD programme in Trento because his academic supervisors – a husband and wife couple – wouldn't let him carry out research on the Mafia in his hometown of Naples.
“British Academia is more sensitive to power relation issues between students and staff when it comes to choosing your research,” Trufuoggi told The Local.
Goldsmith's University of London told him that he could study for the Phd with them, but Marco's hopes were dashed after he narrowly missed out on the limited funding options avaliable to foreign students …show more content…
“I want to make an origional contribution in showing how the soical aspect of the Mafia works, and show how resources and people can be mobilized.”
Collective action is central to the fight against organized crime across southern Italy today, and Trifuoggi highlights the role movements such as 'confiscated goods' can play.
Confiscated goods uses state-seized mafia properties and equipment to set up new companies – mark a sea change in the attitudes of the younger generations towards the Mafia.
Marco is sure that crowdfunding provides the perfect platform for him to raise the money for his research.
“I know that I am asking people to pay for my studies – but it's all about collective action.”
“Collective action against the Mafia, and in my case, the lack of funding and opportunities for young Italian researchers, too.”
So far, he has raised 2069 in just 17 days and is hopeful he can reach his target, before the campaign expires in 44 day's time.
“Money is coming in from other academics who understand my plight as well as many Neapolitans who appreciate the scope and goal of the