Laura Gandolfi has been appointed the new dean of the Faculty of Humanities at UIC Barcelona. Dr Gandolfi holds a doctorate in Humanities and has a distinguished career in the study of Hispanic-American literature and culture, with particular focus on Mexico. A researcher with publications in academic journals and specialised books, she has taught at internationally renowned universities including the University of Chicago and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Dr Gandolfi views the deanship as “a fragile yet essential space within the University, a place where thought requires time and where education entails a way of attending to the world”. In this regard, she emphasises the importance of supporting students and staff in a shared exercise of reflection and of affirming the value of humanities as a field in which knowledge is linked to responsibility and social commitment. Ultimately, she conceives the Faculty of Humanities as “a space where knowledge is built with time and attention through essential questions and constant dialogue between disciplines”.

According to Dr Gandolfi, the Faculty plays a vital role within the University because it places the individual and their experience at the centre of the educational process, understanding “knowledge not merely as an accumulation of content but as a way of deeply comprehending reality”.

In this new phase, Dr Gandolfi’s priorities include continuing to strengthen rigorous and meaningful teaching, promoting robust research and consolidating internationalisation as a natural goal for the Faculty. Her aim is to build “a vibrant academic community open to dialogue and committed to a profound, responsible humanistic education that respects the dignity of the individual”.

Regarding the current role of Humanities studies, the new Dean believes they are “more necessary than ever” as they create a space for pause and reflection in an accelerated world and help foster a critical and responsible outlook on today’s cultural and social challenges.

Dr Gandolfi succeeds Dr Judith Urbano, who had served as dean of the Faculty since the 2016–2017 academic year and will work alongside the Vice-Deans, Dr Albert Moya and Dr Jordi Bermejo.

With this appointment, UIC Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to a Faculty of Humanities that faces the future with a critical, open perspective and a strong dedication to student education and research.