Ilke Toygür appointed director of IE University's Global Policy Center

IE University is proud to announce the appointment of Ilke Toygür as the new Director of the Global Policy Center (GPC). In this leadership role, Ilke will guide the Center in its mission to provide applied research and policy solutions addressing the most pressing global political and economic challenges.

The Global Policy Center, founded under the auspices of IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, serves as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary research and global policy. The Center's core focus areas include the future of Europe, transatlantic relations, and the dynamics between Global South countries, particularly Latin America. Under Dr. Toygür’s leadership, the Global Policy Center will continue to build on its existing research initiatives while expanding its influence in the policymaking sphere, providing actionable insights for leaders in government, business and academia.

A timely appointment

The appointment comes at a critical moment, as the world grapples with significant geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts. Ilke Toygür brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With a robust academic background that includes a PhD in Political Science, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics and an MA in Democracy and Government, she has spent much of her career studying European integration, global security and the evolving political landscape in Europe. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of European integration on voting systems and party politics in Western Europe during times of crisis, a topic that is particularly relevant today as Europe faces unprecedented challenges.

Before joining IE University, she held significant positions at some of Europe’s most influential think tanks and policy institutes, including the Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid and the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Brussels. She has also contributed to major research initiatives at the European University Institute (EUI), the University of Mannheim and the Brookings Institution. A Senior Associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC, Dr. Toygür also serves on the board of the Trans-European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) in Brussels.

A voice of authority

Throughout her career, she has been a key voice in European and global policy debates, regularly advising governments, EU institutions and international organizations. Her work on contemporary challenges facing Europe has appeared in top-tier publications such as the “Financial Times,” “Der Spiegel,” “El País” and “Foreign Affairs.” 

At the Global Policy Center, she will lead in expanding its programs and partnerships, bringing together global thought leaders and key stakeholders to address emerging trends in worldwide politics and economics. The Center is positioned not only to respond to global developments, but also anticipate them, helping policymakers navigate the complexities of an interconnected world. Her leadership is expected to enhance the Center’s capacity to offer innovative policy solutions that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policymaking.

A commitment to move forward

As the Global Policy Center continues to grow, this appointment signals the university’s commitment to advancing high-level research that shapes global policy. By leveraging Dr. Toygür’s expertise in European geopolitics, and her established network in international policy circles, the Center is poised to move into a new phase of impact and influence in the global arena. 

Under her leadership, the Global Policy Center will become a vital resource for scholars, policymakers and practitioners alike, driving forward its mission of providing informed, innovative and actionable solutions to the complex issues shaping the future of global politics and economics.