Riem inherited an interest in spirituality from her mother and a passion for psychoanalysis from her father.
In 1981, Riem was the first person to graduate from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at the International University of Udine; today, she is Full Professor of English Literature and Languages, and Dean of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at the university.
Boasting a decorated academic career built on commitment and dedication, Riem expresses her passion for her work, her research and her students in everything she does.
This month, Riem was appointed Honorary Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, “for significant service to Australia’s bilateral relationship with Italy, particularly through the promotion of Australian literature internationally, and to cultural exchange programs”.
Riem’s connection with Australia has spanned over three decades.
She has dedicated her career to studying, promoting and teaching Australian literature and history, with particular focus on Indigenous Australian cultures, including contributing to over 150 publications.
Within Italy and Europe, she has collaborated in international scholarly networks assiduously promoting Australian literature and culture, translating Australian poems into Italian as well as guiding and assisting many undergraduate, graduate and PhD students in their research and theses relating to Australia.
Riem first discovered Australian literature while completing postgraduate studies in Venice, coming in contact with prominent critics including Bernard Hickey and Veronica Brady, and exploring novels such as Voss by Patrick White.
The academic began formally researching Australian literature in 1985, when she received the Australian-European Award Scholarship.
This opportunity allowed her to spend a period of time in Brisbane, studying at The University of Queensland.
While she decided to return to Udine when the scholarship came to an end, Riem’s love for Australian literature lived on, leading her to facilitate an international cultural-exchange scheme between both Italian and Australian students, establishing formal partnerships with major Australian universities.
While speaking about her work, Riem often uses the term “partnership”, not in an economistic sense, but rather in the sense of human relationships.
“Relationships are fundamental to my work: relationships with people, but also with books and nature,” she explained.
Indigenous cultures and perspectives are of great interest to Riem, as spirituality plays a central role.
“There’s no division between the sacred and the profane; everything’s sacred and the modality of relating to the earth and to oneself is very important,” she said.
“All the Australian authors I’ve studied, particularly David Malouf, have always shown great respect and sensitivity towards Aboriginal cultures.”
During one of her trips to Australia, Riem travelled to the Northern Territory, where she met Djalu Gurruwiwi, a Yolngu man from Arnhem Land who is known worldwide for his skill as a player, maker and spiritual keeper of the yiḏaki.
Riem managed to bring Djalu to Udine for a conference in which artists from Italy and all over the world exchanged their experiences.
The conference led to the creation of an unexpected musical trio consisting of two didgeridoos and a piano, which performed in the city’s theatre.
“Because the dialogue among the arts is considerable, it helps to expand horizons and open hearts, promoting wellbeing and harmony,” Riem said.
Understanding the importance of relationships, Riem has worked tirelessly to encourage and support international exchanges between students.
“It’s important to emphasise how encounters between people can foster debates, comparisons and a wealth of knowledge,” she said.
“My purpose was to create as many contacts and relationships as possible between universities.”
This initiative allowed many Australian students to study in Italy and many Italian students to do the same Down Under.
“The Fogolar Furlan and Club Sardo have always supported the Italian students who have come to study in Australia,” Riem added.
The admirable academic said she was incredibly honoured to receive her new title.
“I was very surprised and I didn’t expect it,” she added.
“I share the recognition with all of my colleagues and students who have collaborated with me to weave this network of partnerships.”
In February 2018, Riem was awarded the Center for Partnership Systems’ (CPS, California) first prize honouring scholars who distinguish themselves in the dissemination of partnership studies in different fields of academic study and research.
This inaugural prize was in acknowledgement of her international scholarly work on partnership studies, in particular for the publication of A Gesture of Reconciliation: Partnership Studies in Australian Literature in 2017.
According to the preface written by Professor Emerita Coarl Ann Howels, the book gives voice to Riem’s insights into a diverse range of Australian literary text.
Although Riem is taking a sabbatical this year, there are no holidays on the horizon; rather, she will be working on many projects and coordinating the Masters in Partnership and Shamanism, which explores a topic close to her heart: human relationships of mutual respect, inclusive of differences and peace between peoples.
