Dr Gëzim Visoka Appointed Incoming Executive Dean of DCU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr Gëzim Visoka has been appointed as the incoming Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Dublin City University. Dr Visoka succeeds Prof Derek Hand in the role.
Prior to this appointment, Dr Visoka served as Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and as Chair of DCU’s Open Research Steering Group. Over the past decade, he has held several leadership roles within the School of Law and Government and has played a significant role in consolidating and expanding DCU’s teaching and research in international relations, peace and conflict studies, and diplomacy.
Dr Visoka completed his doctoral studies in Politics and International Relations at DCU and has taught and researched peace, conflict, and diplomacy since 2014. Before joining DCU, he worked for UN agencies and civil society organisations and advised governments on foreign and European integration processes. His research focuses on critically rethinking statehood, peacebuilding, and international engagement in post-conflict and contested states. To date, he has published 13 books, 35 journal articles, 25 book chapters, and 20 policy papers.
As Executive Dean, Dr Visoka plans to lead the development of a bold, forward-looking vision for the Faculty to become Ireland's leading centre of excellence for empowering diverse learners, fostering ethical, inclusive, and sustainable societies, and addressing societal challenges through innovative, excellent education, research, and engagement, and a commitment to safeguarding and advancing the relevance of the humanities and social sciences within and beyond DCU by creating equitable, enabling, and effective conditions for interdisciplinary teaching and ambitious, collaborative, and impactful research; expanding internationalisation and global engagement; and developing innovative programmes that connect the humanities and social sciences with technology, societal security, and sustainability, thereby future-proofing the Faculty’s sustainability and relevance and delivering on DCU's mission.
At the heart of the Faculty's operations and strategic direction will be a continuous focus on what matters to staff and students, ensuring those from diverse backgrounds feel respected, empowered, and supported.
Speaking of the announcement, Dr Visoka said:
“I am honoured to be entrusted with this significant role, and I look forward to working with academic and professional staff and students. Together, we will steer our Faculty’s next phase of growth by focusing strategically on unlocking our vast potential and talent, broadening our teaching offerings, fostering impactful research, and aligning external partnerships with our core priorities.”
DCU President Professor Dáire Keogh said:
I warmly welcome Dr Visoka’s appointment as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. His leadership in various roles has been characterised by energy and vision, and I know he will work with the great people of the faculty to advance its impact and profile. As he steps down, I also want to sincerely thank Prof Derek Hand on his excellent stewardship of the Faculty.