Call for applications: UCL International Policy Fellowships

Virtual pre-session: 15 Nov 2023
Geneva international training visit: 20 - 23 November 2023
Virtual post-session: Early December 2023

Are you active in climate change and environmental governance? Do you want to learn more about engaging with international policymakers?

In line with UCL’s position as London’s Global University, UCL research and expertise informs international public policy and helps to shape collective decision-making.

Offered by the European Institute, Global Engagement and Public Policy, an upcoming training visit to Geneva (International Policy Fellowship) provides hands-on opportunities to build knowledge and skills around informing international policy.

The selected 6-8 participants will be part of a cross-disciplinary community, sharing knowledge and experience in addressing climate policy challenges.

The participants will be learning alongside peers from the University of Geneva and the University of Zurich.

Throughout the programme, participants will:

• Interact with experts and gain insights into policy engagement within the Geneva ecosystem,
• Build confidence and skills to bridge academia and policymaking,
• Collaborate and learn from peers across Faculties and Swiss universities.

The focus theme of this year’s programme is Climate Change and Environmental Governance. Our delivery partner is the GSPI (Geneva Science-Policy Interface), an experienced knowledge brokerage organisation funded to facilitate exchange between scientists and policymakers in Geneva.

About the programme

The programme will feature three days of meetings, workshops and networking events in Europe’s UN capital, Geneva, including:

• Virtual pre-session: introduction to the science-policy interface and the Geneva ecosystem; meet-and-greet of cohort (1.5 hours, online, co-delivered by the GSPI)
• Day 0: Arrival and group drinks/dinner
• Day 1: Multilateral policymaking and the mobilisation of science (with staff from selected United Nations organisations), and a tour of the United Nations Office at Geneva or the World Meteorological Organization
• Reception/meeting with the UK Permanent Representation (TBC)
• Day 2: Science-policy engagement through intermediaries (with relevant intermediary organisations e.g. the Global Resource Information Database (GRID) network, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• Day 3: Exchanges on practices of science-policy engagement, with feedback from United Nations policymakers and engaged colleagues from the University of Geneva
• Virtual post-trip session.

Learning outcomes

• Participants will gain insights into science advice processes on UN-level in a specific disciplinary field.
• They will learn about strategies, practices, and skills to span the boundary between science and policy.
• They will receive practical advice and experience from actors working at the science-policy interface in various organisations.
• They will gain experience in engagement with diverse stakeholders, fostering knowledge exchange, enabling relationship-building and, in the longer term, potential partnerships. This relates to both co-participants and policymakers.

Virtual Sessions

• Policy engagement skills: participants will develop and reflect on strategies for engaging with policymakers, communicating research findings, and bridging the gap between academia and policymaking.
• Cultural Competence: By engaging with international researchers and policymakers, participants will develop cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in a global context.

Eligibility

• Faculty members in continuing UCL appointments are eligible (you can be employed on a grant, but must be a UCL member of staff).
• Applicants must be active in climate change or environmental governance. Applications from all Faculties and disciplines are welcomed.
• Applicants should view themselves as Early, or Mid, Career Researchers (EMCRs). Doctoral students are not eligible.

Costs

UCL Global Engagement will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the training visit (beginning at the airport). All lunches and at least two group dinners will be provided, with other smaller subsistence costs met personally or by Departments, in line with UCL’s expenses policy.

How to apply

1. Please apply using the application form below.
2. Deadline for applications via the portal: Friday 13 October 2023.
3. Please ensure you have sought support for your application from your Faculty’s Vice-Dean International, e.g. by asking them via email, providing a short rationale for your interest.
4. Selected participants will be notified in the week beginning 23 October 2023.

Apply now

Contact:

For questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Elinor Kruse and Lucy Shackleton.

Resources

• Geneva Science Policy Interface
• Engaging with the United Nations and Intergovernmental Organisations
• GSPI Workshop: Engaging with the Geneva International Policy Eco-System

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash.