IE University strengthens its commitment to academic excellence in Political Science with the appointment of Catherine De Vries as Professor and Area Chair

IE University has announced the appointment of Catherine De Vries as Professor of Political Science, and Chair of the Politics and International Relations Area. Bringing extensive expertise in European politics, institutional governance, and policy innovation, De Vries will play a pivotal role in advancing excellence in research and teaching at IE. She will also serve as Vice Dean for Political and International Studies at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs. 

Catherine De Vries previously served as President of the Institute of European Policymaking (2024-2025) and Dean of International Affairs and Diversity (2020-2024) at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. In these roles, she led an ambitious research agenda focused on the European Union’s future and role in the world. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Catherine to IE University. She brings deep insight and academic rigor to the study of governance and institutional change at a time when the question of Europe’s place in the world couldn’t be more relevant."
Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University

Catherine De Vries was also a Professor at the University of Oxford from 2012 to 2018 and a Professor at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, where she completed her Ph.D. in Political Science. She is also an Honorary Professor at Queen’s University Belfast and has held visiting fellowships at the Mannheim Centre for Social Science Research (MZES), the University of Vienna, and the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2013, she was recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

At IE University, De Vries will lead the Faculty and Research strategy of the Politics and International Relations Area, reinforcing the university’s mission of producing high quality research. Additionally, her appointment will further strengthen IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs’ offering of forward-looking programs, including the new Bachelor in Political Science, designed to equip students with the analytical and leadership skills required in a rapidly changing global environment, and the Master in Technology and Global Affairs, which explores the complex interplay between emerging technologies and geopolitics. 

"I am thrilled to be joining IE University and look forward to supporting its strategic vision, working alongside exceptional faculty and students, and helping grow the School’s global presence during this historic moment of change", said Professor De Vries. 

In her new role, Catherine De Vries succeeds Daniel Kselman, who has successfully led the International Relations Area since 2013 and served as Vice Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs since 2016. During his tenure, the Area experienced remarkable growth, with the Faculty expanding from 3 to 30 full-time professors and research output increasing significantly. During this period, the School also broadened its academic offering, with the launch of entirely new Bachelor programs in Economics (2019) and Political Science (2025), as well as Masters in International Development (2019), Applied Economics (2022), and Technology and Global Affairs (2025). 

"Catherine De Vries’ arrival at IE University sends a powerful message of confidence in the bright future and continued success of our institution. As we welcome her, I want to express my gratitude to Daniel for his extraordinary service to IE", said Enrico Letta, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs. "His academic vision and deep expertise have been pivotal in establishing the School as one of the most relevant academic institutions in the field of international relations and public policy worldwide."