Dear Colleagues of the Executive Committee, 

With Esra back in IES, our program manager ready to start full time, I am stepping out from the Director’s position grateful for the opportunity I was given. Any accomplishments were collectively produced thanks to the Institute’s amazing staff, past and current. I learned so much this past year and even though plans were interrupted, any good ideas or projects that might have emerged during my leadership, remain and can happen when it will be possible again. 

I could not step out without welcoming Esra Akcan. I would like to express how lucky we are that someone like her will be leading IES in a truly hard moment. I could neither step out without thanking you each personally for the work, the insights and initiatives. I am wishing you all a good summer, if this is possible under these circumstances.  

Thank you and be well,  

Maria Goula, PhD, UPC

Associate Professor

Landscape Architecture Department