Change of Leadership at the GIGA

Prof. Dr. Amrita Narlikar, the President of the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), is leaving the research institute in Hamburg after almost a decade.

Prof. Narlikar joined the GIGA from the University of Cambridge in 2014, becoming the first woman to hold the office of President of the Institute. With her, the GIGA also gained its first President from the Global South and, at the same time, its youngest ever President. Prof. Narlikar is now leaving the GIGA for personal reasons on 30 April 2024 in order to dedicate more time to her family and her innovative research projects.

"We would like to thank Prof. Narlikar most sincerely for her outstanding work and the good cooperation over almost ten years," stated Dr Eva Gümbel, Chair of the GIGA Board of Trustees. "Prof. Narlikar came to Hamburg with an impressive academic track record and, most recently, has successfully led the GIGA through the evaluations by the Leibniz Association. Prof. Narlikar has worked in all strategic areas: academic excellence, knowledge transfer through policy advice, media contributions, public events, fundraising and public relations. Under her leadership, the Institute achieved a remarkable publication record that gained international recognition. In addition, the GIGA was able to achieve important results on inter-, intra- and supra-regional issues and make significant contributions in the field of comparative regional studies. We wish Prof. Narlikar all the best and much success for the future."

Until the appointment of a new president of the GIGA, the position will initially be held by Prof. Dr. Sabine Kurtenbach, Institute for Latin American Studies, from 1 April 2024.