Despina Gerasimidou

As a PhD Candidate in the School of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, I am exploring the intersection of emotions and professionalization of immersive museum programmes like museum sleepovers. My academic background includes a Master of Arts in Cultural Management from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a Bachelor of Laws from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I am passionate about creating positive social change through innovative and inclusive approaches to cultural participation, museum and library development. I also work as a community mobilization and capacity building expert at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), where I leverage my skills in global communications, project management, and digital innovation to support the organization's mission of promoting library development worldwide. With over eight years of experience in this role, I have contributed to the establishment of optimal coordination and global communications for IFLA's Regional Council, Regional Division Committees, Regional offices, Language centers, and National and Regional key partners. I have also authored the IFLA Guidelines for Libraries Supporting Displaced Persons.