Elisa Gamba.
Elisa Gamba at the “Refugees & Migrants in Our Common Home” conference, Villanova University
About & CV

Hello, I’m Elisa.

I am a PhD candidate (defence scheduled: February 2027) in Human Rights, Society and Multi-level Governance at the A. Papisca Human Rights Centre, University of Padua. My research compares the inclusion of refugee and at-risk students in the Irish and Italian university systems.

Before my doctorate I worked for almost twenty years in the international relations offices of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the University of Padua, focusing on international students, refugee student inclusion programmes and the coordination of international projects and partnerships.

I serve on the board of Popoli Insieme (JRS/Centro Astalli network), a Padua-based association working on the reception and inclusion of refugees.

Areas of expertise

Inclusion and belonging of international studentsEDI and multi-level governancePartnerships between universities, NGOs and the third sectorCare and trauma-informed pedagogyEquitable and inclusive internationalisation

Professional experience

2023–2026 (defence February 2027)
PhD in Human Rights, Society and Multi-level Governance
A. Papisca Human Rights Centre, University of Padua: comparative research on the inclusion of refugee and at-risk students in the Irish and Italian university systems.
June 2024 – June 2027
Board member, Popoli Insieme (JRS / Centro Astalli network)
Reception and inclusion of refugees in the Padua area.
2022–2023
Refugee Projects Officer, University of Padua
International Relations Division: Students and Scholars at Risk programmes, UNICORE, UNIPD4MYANMAR, UNIPD4UKRAINE and UNIPD4AFGHANISTAN, management of the CRUI 100 scholarships for refugees.
2019–2020
Head of Admission and Welcome, University of Padua
Leading a team of eight: international admissions, credential evaluation of foreign qualifications, visa and fiscal code procedures, initiatives supporting refugee students.
2015–2019
Head of the Welcome Unit, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Leading a team of ten: welcome and integration of international students, exchange and joint or double degree programmes, University Staff Training Week, initiatives supporting refugee students.
2010–2015
International Relations Office, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Incoming and outgoing exchange programmes, joint and double degrees, University Staff Training Week, relations with Italian and international universities.
2006–2010
First roles
Immigration Office of the Province of Venice (2006–2007) and Public Relations Office, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (2007–2010).

Education

2014
Advanced Training Course in Intercultural Communication
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
2013
Master’s degree in Comparative International Relations
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
2006
Professional Master Course in Immigration. Migration Phenomena and Social Transformations
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
2005
Bachelor’s degree in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation
University of Padua

Where I have taught

Lectures and guest lectures on refugee rights, inclusion and access to higher education.