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Peaceful, Secure & Empowered Societies

Peaceful, Secure & Empowered Societies Leadership Team

As the leadership team of PSES, we are a group of researchers from Education, Law, and Social and Political Sciences. The name of the IRT - ‘Peaceful, Secure, and Empowered Societies’ - signifies not only our thematic focus but also our approach to leadership, researcher development, and inclusion. Our IRT will offer an inclusive, equitable, and transparent platform for UofG researchers working within and across a diversity of disciplines, including as part of the following networks and centres: Glasgow Centre for International Law and Security; Centre of Excellence for Russian, Central & East European Studies; Global Security Network; Glasgow Human Rights Network; Scottish Centre for War Studies and Conflict Archaeology; Glasgow Refugee and Migration Network; and Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies.

Theme Leads

Adrian Florea Headshot

Dr Adrian Florea

Senior Lecturer in the School of Social and Political Sciences. Adrian’s work focuses on civil war, de facto states, international security, and research methods. Adrian has regional expertise in the Soviet successor states of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, and is currently Research Director in Central and East European Studies.

Sinead Gormally Headshot

Dr Sinead Gormally

Professor of Community Development and Youth and Deputy Head of School of Education for Strategy and Planning. Sinéad’s research falls into two categories. The first focuses on social justice and equality, analysing how youth and community practitioners can create positive social change. The second area focusses on the impact of violence and conflict on individuals and communities and how grassroots communities can help facilitate everyday peace.

Georgios Karyotis Headshot

Dr Georgios Karyotis

Professor of Security Politics in the School of Social and Political Sciences. Georgios has an international reputation in securitisation theory, migration studies, protest/voting behaviour, public attitudes and crisis management. His research has a distinct and recognisable flavour and is characterised by interdisciplinarity, methodological rigour and emancipatory objectives.

Asli Ozeclik Olcay Headshot

Dr Asli Ozcelik Olcay

Senior Lecturer in the School of Law. Asli’s research relates to international law with a focus on armed conflicts, peacemaking, and humanitarianism. Most recently, she was part of an AHRC-funded project on protracted armed conflicts and led an ESRC-funded project on youth and peace. At Glasgow, she also co-directs a multidisciplinary Master’s programme on global security, peace, and development.