Gülcan Akkaya

Gülcan Akkaya is a Lecturer and Project Manager at the Lucerne School of Social Work, affiliated with the Institute for Sociocultural Development. She holds a PhD in Political Science (Freie Universität Berlin, 2012) and an MA in Social Work and Human Rights. Her expertise spans Human Rights, Migration, Racism, and Post-Conflict Community Development. She has extensive experience in Kosovo's post-war community work and advises on refugee integration in Africa. She has authored/co-authored over 30 books, peer-reviewed articles, and reports, focusing on systemic discrimination, refugee livelihoods, and urbanization trends in Global South cities. She chairs the Eidgenössischen Kommission gegen Rassismus (2008-2019) and contributes to organizations like Caritas Schweiz and Club Helvétique.

Her research emphasizes practical solutions for marginalized groups, including migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities. Key projects include 'Welcoming Neighbourhoods' (migration policy), 'Psychosocial Health Care for Refugees', and 'Innovation Among Transnational Migrants'. She critiques Swiss social welfare policies and advocates for rights-based approaches in social work education. Her work bridges academic research with grassroots activism, particularly in combating racism and promoting inclusive urban development.