Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Empirical study of Literature Training Network

Project description

Innovative training in the empirical study of literature

Literary reading offers unique mental and emotional benefits and fulfils societal needs based on multiple research findings. In fact, reading contributes to the increasing ability for empathy, reasoning and self-control. It is estimated that 20 % of Europeans lack effective reading skills. Research findings show that time dedicated to reading is low. Scientists underline the need for a better understanding of the neuro-cognitive processes related to literary reading through novel empirical methods and forms of engagement in which empathy plays a key role. The EU-funded ELIT project will offer innovative and interdisciplinary training to a new generation of researchers in the empirical study of literature. It is also a response to the absence of doctoral programmes in Europe.

Objective

In Europe one in five people lacks adequate reading skills. Additionally, research shows that the amount of time spend reading is in decline and becoming more intermittent and fragmented. This is alarming, since recent empirical research shows that literary reading, by virtue of its appeal to first-person experience, yields unique cognitive and emotional benefits, such as enhancing the capacity for empathy, social inference, and emotional self-regulation. To arrive at a deeper understanding of how reading literature can lead to positive societal effects, more fundamental research is needed first. We need to clarify the (neuro)-cognitive processes that are crucial to literary reading in theoretical models. Model development should go hand in hand with the elaboration of novel empirical methods to test them. In addition, we need to investigate forms of narrative engagement and types of literary texts in which empathy plays an important role. Narrative engagement is an important contributor to reading enjoyment. Once these processes and literary experiences are mapped out, we can explore the effects of literary reading on mental well-being. To answer these questions, we propose to set up an ETN that aims to train a new generation of innovative and interdisciplinary researchers in the empirical study of literature: The Empirical Study of Literature Training Network (ELIT). As there are currently no interdisciplinary doctoral programs available across Europe, we developed a new program that revolves around comprehensive and integrative training that emphasizes the multidimensionality of reading. ELIT will stimulate true interdisciplinary research: our doctoral candidates will combine theory-driven approaches with various empirical methods. We will be collaborating closely with a range of non-academic partners to draw in valuable insights about how reading can fulfil certain societal needs.

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI VERONA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 472 152,20
Address
VIA DELL ARTIGLIERE 8
37129 Verona
Italy

See on map

Region
Nord-Est Veneto Verona
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 472 152,20

Participants (9)

My booklet 0 0