Dr. Anne Siebert takes over the role of Executive Director from Dr. Gabriele Bäcker. She started her new position on 1 June 2026. Still, Anne is not a new face at the IEE as she has been a research fellow here for more than 10 years.

As a social scientist by training, her responsibilities at the IEE over the past years have included coordinating the Master's Programme in Development Management (MADM) and lecturing on development theories and research methods in the social sciences. In 2019, Anne obtained a joint PhD in Development Studies from the IEE and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Her PhD thesis focused strongly on food security, poverty eradication, and related social movements in sub-Saharan Africa. These areas continue to frame her research interests and publishing activities today. She has extensive working and research experience abroad, in the developmental context. In addition, she has supported several review committees and academic networks in Germany. Currently, she is a speaker for the German Association of Postgraduate Programmes with Special Relevance to Developing Countries (AGEP), which comprises over 40 postgraduate programmes in Germany. Anne is also a reviewer for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Anne Siebert is very much looking forward to interact with old and new partners, friends, colleagues and students of the IEE, including our vital alumni community.