Paolo Nelli joined King’s College London Language Centre in 2008 as a Lecturer in Italian Language Education, with a special focus on curriculum planning and course design. He completed an MSc in Clinical and Social Psychology at the University of Padua, Italy (1994) with a final mark of 103/110, and undertook a training period at the University of Padua, Department of Social Studies (1994–1995). He speaks Italian, English, and French.

At King’s, Paolo develops and delivers Italian language courses at all levels, including undergraduate modules, the Doctoral Training Programme (DTP), Italian Contemporary courses, London Business School provision, and a range of short courses. His teaching integrates technology-enhanced approaches to enrich student learning and foster engagement.

As course leader for multiple levels, Paolo designs syllabi, creates original teaching materials, and assesses students through written and oral examinations. He also leads Italian Culture courses for PhD students in the Humanities, within DTP frameworks, encouraging interdisciplinary connections with Italian cultural studies. In addition, he contributes to assessment processes across the programme, including the marking of final written papers and oral exams.

Paolo regularly participates in professional development through training sessions, conferences, and workshops, and contributes to institutional growth by creating and delivering his own workshops. He is actively involved in departmental meetings, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Alongside his teaching and leadership responsibilities, he is engaged in both academic and creative research.

Research, Scholarly projects and Academic Awards

In addition to his teaching duties, Paolo Nelli is actively involved in academic and creative research that enhances his pedagogical practice. His main scholarly focus is on the teaching of culture within language education, particularly how cultural content can be effectively introduced even at beginner levels to promote intercultural awareness and student engagement. He also interests in how integrating creative writing into language courses, can support linguistic development and self-expression.

Paolo’s research interests extend to contemporary Italian migrant literature, examining themes of identity, displacement, and multilingualism. His academic inquiry is closely tied to his creative work as a novelist. His experience as a writer informs his teaching of both language and culture, and shapes his innovative approach to curriculum design and student engagement.
In 2017 and 2025, he received the King’s Language Centre Teaching Excellence Award “in recognition of teacher’s outstanding contribution to teaching and learning”.

Academic Publications:

Nelli, P. (2025) The impact of Brexit on cultural life in London. Article in Italian, Milan: Lucy: sulla cultura.

Nelli, P. (2024) Sindrome da assicuratore (Insurer's syndrome). Novel in Italian, La Nave di Teseo.

Nelli, P., Tolfo, G. and others (2023) The Italian files: Seven conversations on lesser-known topics of Italian culture, society and history. Podcast in English, London: FILL production.

Nelli, P. Magini, M. Tolfo, G. Vatti, M. (2022) The fifth siren: five episodes on Venice environmental history, ecological risks and the future of the city. Podcast in English. London: FILL production.

Nelli, P. (2020) Il terzo giorno (The third day). Novel in Italian, Milan: La Nave di Teseo.