Renato Trotta

Renato is a PhD candidate in Museum and Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews. His interests revolve around alternative modalities of exploring museums, especially considering diverse sensory and access needs. The research Renato is currently undertaking focuses on disclosing the access requirements of visually impaired audiences, and negotiating the responsibilities and possibilities of museums in implementing access. His framework is heavily informed by the social model of disability and critical theory both in matters of museology and disability theory. This current research endeavour attempts to directly contribute to SDG 4 (quality education) and 10 (reduced inequalities). 

Renato has a background in Heritage Studies (BA) and Art History (MA) from the University of Tor Vergata in Rome. There, he also obtained a degree in Neuroaesthetics (MSc), followed up by an internship at the Laboratory for Cognitive Research in Empirical Aesthetics (CREA Lab) in Vienna. Prior to the doctoral career, Renato has worked with several museums in Rome, including the Vatican Museums, the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, and the National Museum of 21st century Arts. 

Renato's research has been supported thanks to a bursary from St Andrews' School of Art History, as well as the Russell Trust and St Leonard's College. He has also received the Emerging Scholar Award from the Common Ground research network.