You have managed the Fabrique de la paix (the Fab) since September. Can you explain the concept behind it?

The Fab aims to be a creative and safe space that promotes and showcases collaborative solutions for the world of today and tomorrow. 

Who is this space for and what are its objectives?

The space is primarily dedicated to students and staff (in the broad sense) of the Institute, but it is open to all. The Fab will work towards three objectives: 

First, it will aim to spark curiosity and innovation at the Institute, providing a safe space to do things differently. Key amongst these will be a series of events, co-organised with the Tech Hub and other partners, which will explore alternative futures from different angles.

It will also seek to nurture ideas and skills, accompanying innovative projects from their creation through to their implementation and beyond. This we aim to do through ideation workshops, skills training, networking opportunities, etc.

Finally, the Fab will aim to connect the Institute with itself and with others, as innovation often emerges from discussions and exchanges with new and diverse people. 

Why was such a space necessary at the Maison de la paix?

While the Institute has fantastic conference halls, meeting rooms and a Library, it was lacking a space where informal conversations, collaboration and creative work could happen. 

What is your line-up for this academic year?

We are super excited with our initial line-up of events: 
We launched the Fab through a fun treasure hunt on 15 September followed by a reception at the Fab. Then, during welcome week we had a range of different “days”:

• 20 September: GISA and Student Initiatives day
• 21 September: Research Day (Research Office and Research Centres)
• 22 September: Mentorship and Buddy day
• 23 September: Policy Relevance Day (platforms, joint centres and more)

The Futures event series kicked off on 5 October with an event on “Futures of Art”, where the audience had the opportunity to engage with Chimer, an artificial intelligence device that creates art! 

Our second Futures event will be in November – Diversity Month – and will encourage students and staff to create a science fiction-inspired artwork exploring what the future of diversity could be. 

More details on upcoming events and workshops are available on our website, where you can also find information on how to book spaces, co-organise events with us, etc. 

This article was published in Globe #30, the Institute Review.