2024 International Geneva Study Trip: Environmental Governance

Environmental crises have become more complex and intertwined, calling for active engagement between researchers and policy professionals towards science-informed solutions. 

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International Geneva is host to a unique and dynamic ecosystem that brings highly diverse stakeholders together at the science-policy interface. But how to build the necessary relationships to undertake science-policy collaboration projects? How to identify the relevant processes and actors? How to identify resources that can support these endeavors?

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This three-day programme invites 20-25 selected researchers for an immersive experience of deep interactions and dialogues in the heart of Geneva’s ecosystem of global environmental governance. 

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Learning objectives

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• Understanding of Decision-Making: Researchers will gain insights into international decision-making processes, enabling them to align their research with global agendas and contribute to science-informed policymaking.
• Expanded Networks: The programme will provide opportunities for networking with researchers and experts from diverse backgrounds, fostering knowledge exchange and potential research partnerships.
• Interdisciplinary Exposure: Participants will engage with peers from various disciplines, broadening their perspectives and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to addressing global challenges.
• Policy Engagement Competences: By engaging with international researchers and policymakers, participants will develop cultural competence and be exposed to policy engagement strategies to work effectively in a global context.
• New Follow-Up Opportunities for participating Universities’ central support services (public policy depts, science-policy units, global affairs depts, etc.)

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The programme  

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• Two virtual pre-sessions in September: introduction to the science-policy interface and the Geneva ecosystem; meet-and-greet of cohort (online, 1.5 hours/session)  
• Day 0: Arrival & Welcome dinner  
• Day 1: Understanding multilateral policymaking and the mobilisation of science, discussion with UN representatives, and an optional United Nations tour.  
• Day 2: Exploration of science-policy engagement through intermediaries e.g. the UNEP-GRID or the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).  
• Day 3: Exchanges with experienced researchers on practices of science-policy engagement  
• Virtual post-trip session: a follow-up meeting 6-month after the trip to see how participants have implemented their science-policy engagement plans

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Selection criteria

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Early and mid-career researchers from partner institutions: 4EU+ member universities (including University of Geneva), University College London, University of Zurich. Researchers need to fulfill the following criteria:

• Hold the position of postdoctoral researcher, lecturer, assistant professor or similar 
• Have some preliminary policy engagement experience at the national or international level 
• If no prior experience in policy engagement, demonstrate in their motivation letter a strong interest in science-policy engagement 
• Have ongoing research on topics linked to environmental issues (climate, biodiversity, pollution)
• Have a demonstrated interest in engaging international policy actors and processes in their field
• Commit to attending the programme the three full days and complete the required preliminary assignments.

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Registration is open until 31 May 2024:

• For 4EU+ fellows
• For UZH fellows
• For UCL fellows