Capacity building

Through our Learning at the boundary (L@B) programme, we provide capacity-building opportunities for scientists, Geneva-based policy professionals and intermediaries willing to contribute more effectively to science-informed policymaking in practice.

The L@B programme

Building strong interfaces between policy and research actors requires the contribution of a chain of professional actors fulfilling different roles at different times.

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At the heart of interface dynamics, skilled intermediaries are needed to identify and communicate policy needs; translate research and broker knowledge; facilitate interactions and build relations, and ensure the overall quality and timeliness of science-policy interaction.

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At each end of the spectrum, scientists and policy professionals themselves need some foundational culture and competences of science-policy engagement. However, there are still very few opportunities to acquire those skills and to develop professionally as a trained boundary-spanner.

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Our L@B programme aims to:

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Explore how science-policy interfaces work in practice in global governance networks
Learn about strategies, practices, and skills required to span the boundaries between science and and global policy in different professional context(s)
Offer practical advice and exposure to professional actors working at the science-policy interface
Provide networking opportunities with experts and practitioners from the international Geneva ecosystem
Promote mixed audiences interactions to foster mutual understanding and alignment around knowledge needs.

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Tailor-made activities

Each activity is designed to address the specific needs of our audience in terms of engagement at the science-policy interface.

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Our L@B activities currently include:

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A yearly Summer school at the University of Geneva for young professionals from scientific institutions and international organisations;
Study tours within International Geneva for scientists willing to strengthen their international policy engagement pathways;
Tailored workshops within scientific institutions seeking to provide perspectives for their early and mid- career researchers on new professional development opportunities in relation to international policymaking;
Expert inputs in structured programmes of partner organisations (Diplo Foundation annual course on science diplomacy; GESDA Science Diplomacy Week, etc.)

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Over time, we aim to build a network of skilled and self-aware boundary spanners that can contribute cutting-edge knowledge, skills, best practices, networking and information-sharing opportunities on effective science-policy impact pathways across the main thematic areas of the Geneva ecosystem.

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If you want to know more about our L@B activities, please contact mialy(dot)rann(at)unige(dot)ch