Michele Merenda

Please tell us about your research project.
I am a PhD student in Hispanic and Latin American studies at Université Grenoble-Alpes (ILCEA4/CERHIS), under the supervision of Almudena Delgado-Larios and Daniel Rojas. My research focuses on the relationship between the Catholic Church and the agrarian question in Colombia during the 1960s. To be more specific, my thesis aims to trace a political history of the Church’s social action in Colombia’s agrarian reform by exploring two main hypotheses: firstly, that the Church’s role in the debate surrounding agrarian issues reflects the institutional power it held up to the early 1960s, while also revealing internal divisions within the Church itself; and secondly, that discussions around the social issue of land and the local and regional contexts influenced theological reflection and Catholic positions, encouraging the emergence of a “social” theology with a strong Latin American perspective.
My research adopts a transatlantic and transnational perspective. Although primarily rooted in history, it incorporates an interdisciplinary approach that draws on sociology, anthropology, political science, theology, and law. My work relies on a documentary corpus from both Colombian and European archives, including the General Archive of the Nation in Bogotá and the Vatican archives in Vatican City.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
I was awarded my research grant as part of the GATES MaCI Project for outgoing mobility between UGA and the Maison Française d’Oxford during the month of November. This program aims to create a multigenerational, internationally influential research community in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, anchored at UGA’s Maison de la Création et de l’Innovation.
As a fellow student, I have access to the library and facilities of the University of Oxford. This enables me to expand my documentary corpus and connect with researchers specializing in Latin American studies, fostering new collaborations. This opportunity will help me expand my academic networks, assess my research progress, and open up new avenues for reflection. Not to mention, peer-reviews on my thesis and the birth of new pathways on the topic I am working on.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?
My first impression is extremely positive. I particularly like the contrast between the history present in the city of Oxford, and the young, vibrant energy brought in by the students. The university offers an excellent environment to study in, with an impressive array of scientific and cultural events. The Bodleian Library and its network of affiliated libraries are remarkable, providing access to documents and works that would be difficult to find elsewhere.