You are Head of the Applied Research Projects and Practice (ARP) in the Interdisciplinary Programme. What is the purpose of ARPs and why are they important?

Geneva Graduate Institute Applied Research Projects (ARPs) are a foundational component of the MINT programme. ARPs involve small student groups working together in their first year of studies to conduct policy-relevant research with partner organisations on issues relating to international development and international relations. Through ARPs, students learn and apply analytical and research skills to practical and policy-relevant issues in international relations and development. Teamwork, collaboration, professionalism, effective communication, and problem solving are crucial skills that the ARP process intends to teach and reinforce, to prepare students to take up management and leadership roles in their future careers.
 

What types of projects do the students work on and what types of partners do they collaborate with?

This year will mark the fourteenth year of applied research projects. To date, there have been hundreds of successful research partnerships between organisations and our students. Projects are usually interdisciplinary in nature, and address questions that students are also questioning in the classroom — from peace and security, to trade and finance, to environment and sustainability, and including perspectives on human rights, gender and inclusion, migration, and global health. (Recent past projects can be perused in the ARP Catalogue.)

While most partner organisations are based in Geneva, in most cases, the scope of the commissioned ARP research is global, used to support policies and programming with global relevance. Partners might include international organisations, non-governmental organisations, foundations, governments, think-tanks, start-ups, cultural bodies, and private sector actors. ARPs thrive through partnerships from across sectors, as true impact for global problems requires a broad diversity of actors working together.  

What is the added-value for our students?

The ARPs provide a unique opportunity to our students to stretch beyond their intellectual and theoretical comfort zones. Through the ARPs, students will apply theories and concepts learnt in the classroom to real-world reality, which can be a hard and often frustrating growth process for students as they learn about meaningful global engagement. One of the most challenging aspects of the ARPs is working in groups, as students are confronted with differences in working styles, communication approaches, and ways of dealing with interpersonal conflict. This learning is often deeply personal, usually offering students the most insightful learning opportunities about themselves and others, which is invaluable life learning. 

What do you see for the future of these projects and which collaborations would you like to develop? 

Each year, we receive ever-larger numbers of partner applications, making the partner selection process ever-more competitive. This is a lucky position to be in, and we are doing our best from the Institute’s perspective to ensure the highest quality of student research contributions for the partner organisations who have trusted us with their questions. While we plan to continue established research collaborations, we also welcome more collaborations with actors who will help us to bridge the research-policy divide. This includes actors from the private sector, the arts, science, and technology. We are fully aware that if we are serious about solving our most urgent concerns and realising the tremendous potential of our times, it will take all of us, working together.