Since his PhD at the University of Edinburgh, Emanuele's research has concentrated on the transformation of cities in the late antique east, with a focus on sites situated along the eastern limes. His stay at UrbNet (2018–2021) allowed him to deepen his knowledge of a number of sites – e.g., urban settlements in southwestern Caucasus – while also exploring new topics that are now at the centre of his research, including urban networks and economic circularity. He has remained a key collaborator for UrbNet after leaving Aarhus, contributing to organizing a research stay for the entire UrbNet team at the University of Milan in March 2023 and co-directing the Khirbet al-Khalde Archaeological Project with Prof. Rubina Raja and Dr Craig A. Harvey (University of Alberta).

As a newly appointed Associate Professor, he will continue working on urban networks and exchanges while expanding his geographical focus to include sites in northern Italy – especially along the Ticino River. He is now spearheading projects on circular economy and urban hinterlands in Lombardy funded by the University of Milan, the Ministry of University and Research, and the 4EU+ Alliance.