Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities

The Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities (SGSAH) is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director, Professor Maria Fusco.

Professor Fusco, an award-winning writer of critical, performance and theoretical texts, and Professor of Interdisciplinary Writing at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee, will take up the role in January 2026.

She succeeds Professor Claire Squires, who has led SGSAH since 2020. Under Professor Squires’ leadership, SGSAH has expanded its international profile, developed a wide range of innovative doctoral training opportunities, and strengthened its position as the world’s first national graduate school in the Arts & Humanities.

Born in Belfast, Professor Fusco has previously held posts at the University of Edinburgh and Goldsmiths, University of London. Her writing and research are internationally recognised for their interdisciplinary reach, and she brings to the role extensive experience in higher education, cultural leadership, and supporting emerging voices in the Arts & Humanities.

Professor Fusco said of her appointment:

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of SGSAH Director in 2026. As the world’s first national graduate school in the Arts & Humanities, I have admired SGSAH’s leadership and activities since its inception 10 years ago. As a first-generation university student from a working-class background, I passionately believe in the transformative possibilities of education, the continuing need to widen opportunity, to support and platform marginalised voices and diverse research topics at a world-leading level. I look forward to securing SGSAH’s legacy whilst imagining its future.”

Professor Jo Gill, co-Chair of the SGSAH Board and Vice Principal & Head of the College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Glasgow, welcomed the appointment:

“We are delighted that Professor Fusco will be joining SGSAH as Director. She is an inspiring writer, teacher and interdisciplinary specialist whose commitment to widening participation and championing the value of the Arts & Humanities aligns closely with SGSAH’s mission. We are confident that her vision and expertise will help shape the next phase of SGSAH’s development, consolidating its reputation as a leader in Scotland-wide doctoral training and researcher support. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to extend our thanks to Professor Claire Squires for her exceptional leadership over the past six years – including through the global pandemic and a period of sector-wide change. Under Claire’s guidance, SGSAH has expanded and opened up opportunities for researcher training, collaboration and development across Scotland and beyond.”

Professor Fusco’s appointment marks the beginning of SGSAH’s second decade. As the School looks ahead, her directorship will build upon a strong foundation of collaborative partnerships across Scotland’s universities and cultural organisations, ensuring that doctoral researchers in the Arts & Humanities continue to flourish on national and international stages.

---

First published: 5 September 2025