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.
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.
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.
Our L@B programme aims to:
- 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.
Tailor-made activities
Each activity is designed to address the specific needs of our audience in terms of engagement at the science-policy interface.
Our L@B activities currently include:
- 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.)
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.
If you want to know more about our L@B activities, please contact mialy(dot)rann(at)unige(dot)ch
Upcoming opportunities
2024 Summer School: Science-Policy Interfaces for environmental solutions
Past activities
GSPI Activity Report 2019
Aerial Intelligence in the Context of International Aid and Development
