Together, they work under the distinguished leadership of Professor Zachary Douglas KC (external link), MIDS Program Director, whose vision continues to shape the Institute's global reputation for excellence.
Leading with vision: Émilie Poisson, Executive Director
At the helm of the MIDS is Émilie Poisson (external link), who joins as Executive Director with over seventeen years of leadership experience in the humanitarian and development sectors. Formerly Director of Learning, Engagement, and Organizational Development at IMPACT Initiatives in Geneva, Émilie has led teams across more than thirty countries, including senior roles at Convergences and ACTED. Her work has focused on organizational transformation, inclusive leadership, and strategic communications-skills she now brings to MIDS to guide its operations and long-term vision. Émilie brings a distinctly global perspective to the MIDS/CIDS's future.
Strengthening external relations: Dr. Dolores Bentolila
Dr. Dolores Bentolila (external link) has been appointed Head of External Affairs, a role that places her at the forefront of MIDS' outreach to law firms, arbitral institutions, and strategic partners. With over a decade of experience at top international law firms such as White & Case and Winston & Strawn, Dr. Bentolila is a recognized authority in international arbitration. Her award-winning PhD from the Geneva Graduate Institute, Arbitrators as Lawmakers, published by Kluwer, has earned acclaim in academic and professional circles. A familiar face to the MIDS community through her investment law courses, she now also leads career services and serves as the primary liaison with the MIDS Alumni Association.
Academic Excellence: A world-class faculty
At the heart of the MIDS experience is its exceptional faculty-renowned experts (external link) from around the globe, drawn from both academia and legal practice. This diverse group brings extensive first-hand experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date and practice-relevant training in international dispute settlement. The program is taught by a combination of permanent Geneva-based faculty and visiting professors from top institutions, offering students a unique blend of theoretical insight and practical expertise. Among are two Geneva-based lecturers, part of the permanent staff team:
- Agustín Giustiniani (external link), Lecturer and CIDS Researcher, teaches international commercial arbitration and inter-state dispute settlement. With experience at the UN International Law Commission, the Organization of American States, and the Permanent Mission of Argentina, he brings a rich blend of practice and scholarship. He is currently completing a PhD on ESG and international law at the Geneva Graduate Institute and serves as Managing Editor of the Latin American and Caribbean Journal of International Law.
- Dr. Rukmini Das (external link), Lecturer and CIDS Researcher, has been a cornerstone of the MIDS faculty for several years. She teaches international commercial and investment arbitration and conducts research at the Geneva Center for International Dispute Settlement (CIDS). Her career spans consultancy at the International Trade Centre, legal policy work with the Government of India, and academic research funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Her PhD from the University of Geneva, awarded summa cum laude, explored the use of scientific experts in international disputes.
Together, these scholars enrich the MIDS curriculum with cutting-edge research and real-world experience, ensuring students are equipped to tackle the complexities of global dispute resolution.
The team behind the scenes
Supporting the leadership and academic efforts are Nolwenn Marchaland (external link) and Emili Milojkovich (external link), whose contributions to administration and student engagement are vital to the program's success.
With this team in place, MIDS is poised to continue its tradition of excellence while expanding its global reach and impact. Whether through academic innovation, strategic partnerships, or career development, the MIDS team is ready to lead the way.