A renowned scholar in international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights, Gloria Gaggioli is a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) Professor at the Law Faculty of the University of Geneva and teaches courses on human rights and terrorism at the Geneva Academy. She has published widely in various fields of public international law and participates regularly in international conferences, roundtables and expert meetings. She is currently leading a four-year research project funded by the SNF on "Preventing and Combating Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Towards a Legal-Empirical Approach".
"Gloria Gaggioli brings to the Geneva Academy her solid research and teaching experience in IHL and human rights, as well as a wide network of academics, practitioners and institutions active in this field", said Yves Flückiger, Rector of the University of Geneva.
"The Geneva Academy is recognised worldwide for its education and research activities", commented Philippe Burrin, Director of the Graduate Institute. "Having now one of its alumna as its new director is but another proof of the Geneva Academy’s invaluable contribution to training tomorrow’s leaders and decision makers in the humanitarian and human rights fields".
In her new role, Professor Gaggioli will provide vision and guidance to anchor the role of the Geneva Academy as a centre for academic excellence that provides high-quality education, training and research in international law in armed conflict and in human rights.
"I look forward to pursuing Professor Sassòli’s work and delivering, together with my colleagues, high-quality teaching – both online and in Geneva – that equips our students with the best legal tools to address complex humanitarian and human rights challenges", the new director explained. "I also want the Geneva Academy to continue to develop its research activities and to delve into issues that are under-explored and need clarification to advance understanding, stimulate debate in the academic community and in policy-making institutions and government, and, ultimately, to contribute to the protection of the most vulnerable in times of conflict and other situations of violence".
"I am very pleased to work with the new Director Gloria Gaggioli, who brings her expertise, dedication and sense of innovation to develop further the Geneva Academy", said Professor Vincent Chetail, President of the Board of the Geneva Academy.
During his two-year leadership, Professor Sassòli accompanied major research projects and discussions in the field of IHL and was also key in ensuring continued quality and interactive teaching for all Geneva Academy’s students during the COVID-19 crisis. He remains part of the Geneva Academy faculty and will continue to teach courses in the LL.M. and Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict.