This week the Graduate Institute welcomes hundreds of students from around the world as the new academic year begins.

The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time. Those here for the first time begin to discover their new home in the heart of Geneva. Returning students and professors renew ties with old colleagues and friends.

This year however is very special and marks a key milestone in the Institute’s 85 year old history. Along with new faculty, students, courses and events comes a stunning new home.  

New Campus

Last week the Institute opened the doors of its brand new state-of-the-art campus in the Maison de la Paix, surrounded by the UN and hundreds of international and non-governmental organisations in the Nations district of Geneva. For the first time in many years, academic faculty and research activities, as well as the Library and administrative services, will also be housed in the same complex. The Edgar and Danièle Piccotto Student House, inaugurated last autumn, is only a few steps away from the new campus. And along with a brand new home comes a brand new logo and website for the Institute.

New Faculty

The Institute welcomes new faculty members Filipe Calvão, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Sociology of Development, and Aidan Russell, Assistant Professor of International History. More than 30 visiting faculty members will also join the Institute, including specialists from prestigious universities, international organisations and the private sector. Jakob Kellenberger, immediate past President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, will teach a course for the second year in a row.

Africa Focus

Professors Calvão and Russell bring a strong focus on African Studies and will reinforce the Institute’s expertise in this area. Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the UN and an alumnus of the Institute, will deliver the Opening Lecture of the academic year on “Equity in Extractives: Managing Africa’s Mineral Wealth”. The upcoming edition of the Institute’s magazine Globe will cover the “Future of Africa”. There will also be a number of Africa related lectures and public events throughout the first term.

Resources and Activities

The course catalogue for the 2013-2014 academic year is now available online. Several activities are being organised by Student Services and the Graduate Institute Student Association to celebrate to the new academic year. A series of open house events will be held in October to allow prospective students and the public to visit the new campus.

To the newcomers, welcome to "International Geneva", and to all members of our community, we wish you an excellent year.