Our Five Directors


Since its creation 15 years ago, the Geneva Academy has been led by five Directors: Professor Andrew Clapham, Professor Paola Gaeta, Professor Robert Roth, Professor Marco Sassòli and Professor Gloria Gaggioli.

In this photo gallery, they tell us what the Geneva Academy represents to them.

Professor Andrew Clapham


‘The Geneva Academy is a unique institution which combines learning with applied policy research endeavouring to improve the protection of human rights and the victims of war everywhere.’

Director of the Geneva Academy from September 2007 to August 2014

Professor Paola Gaeta


‘The Geneva Academy has a special place in my heart. The students and researchers at the Geneva Academy cultivate the dream of a better world and take difficult paths professionally and humanly to make this dream a reality. The Geneva Academy is their home, and always will be.’

Director of the Geneva Academy from January 2011 to August 2014

Professor Robert Roth


‘Every encounter with a former student of the Geneva Academy reminds me of the quality, diversity and density of the teaching this institution has been providing for the last fifteen years. I am proud of it.’

Director of the Geneva Academy from August 2014 to August 2018

Professor Marco Sassòli


‘Unfortunately, IHL violations come only very exceptionally before a court. Our alumni form, however, an informal bench all around the world making the difference between what is acceptable in armed conflicts and what is not. So do our reports, publications and databases.’

Director of the Geneva Academy from August 2018 to August 2020

Professor Gloria Gaggioli


‘For me, the Geneva Academy is a unique institution with a profoundly ethical mission: using international law, science and knowledge as tools to ensure the best possible protection for victims of armed conflicts and persons in situations of vulnerability. On a more personal note, the Geneva Academy has immensely contributed to my professional development, and I will always be grateful for the expertise and multi-faceted experience I gathered – and I am still gathering – here.’

Director of the Geneva Academy since August 2020