Sometimes life takes unexpected paths. I am about to move to the United States, where I will start a post-doc in international history, which is fully funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. I will be based at the History Department of Columbia University and then at the History Department of Ann Arbor (Michigan). These two institutions are the perfect places to study modern world history through the lens of international organisations, humanitarianism, refugee history, and the history of women.
Eight years ago, at the beginning of my studies at the Graduate Institute, I could hardly fathom pursuing an academic career. In 2005, when I first enrolled in the Masters’ programme in International History and Politics, I believed that I would only stay in Geneva long enough to complete my training. I could not imagine that the work I conducted for my Masters’ dissertation would open me up to the captivating world of historical research. My own story started on a sunny day in April 2007 at the archives of the League of Nations, which are located at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Many more archives and documents would follow over the next several years, as well as conferences, publications, and trips.
The main outcome of my research was my PhD, which is entitled Towards the International Refugee Regime. Humanitarianism in the Wake of the First World War, which was awarded the “Pierre du Bois Prize” for 2012. However, there were also less tangible but equally important outcomes from my time doing research. Professors Andre Liebich and Davide Rodogno encouraged me and carefully followed my work over the years. The History Department and the Graduate Institute were excellent places to pursue my research and exchange with colleagues that shared similar interests. Friends and family were also not immune to my intellectual questioning and helped me to relax during stressful periods.
While ‘mentally’ and physically packing, all of these elements nicely reconstruct various pieces of the puzzle of my life. I am curious to see what comes next!