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This is a call for applications to participate in Summer School: Science & Policy for Environmental Action by the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI), taking place in Geneva on 23-27 June 2025.
Building on two successful international fellowship programmes in 2023 and 2024 in collaboration with UCL, this year the GSPI is offering up to four UCL Early Career Researchers the opportunity for a week-long programme in 23-27 June 2025.
Participants will have the opportunity to join other peers from universities and policy agencies across Europe to immerse themselves in the heart of international Geneva, and learn more about Geneva’s policy ecosystem, engage with a range of stakeholders operating at the science-policy interface in the field of environmental governance, and reflect on their personal policy engagement priorities.
UCL Global Engagement will fund the selected 4 academics on related travel costs. Please see Value and Duration for the full details.
Context of the programme
From climate change to biodiversity loss or plastic pollution, environmental crises have become more complex and intertwined, calling for active collaboration between scientists and policy actors towards science-informed solutions.
To achieve this, scientists, policy actors and intermediaries need specific skills and capacities to navigate the science-policy interface related to global environmental governance and more localised pathways towards the ecological transition.
International Geneva is host to a unique ecosystem of international organisations, NGOs, diplomatic missions, think tanks, donors, and research institutions - which creates opportunities for science to join the policy table. This vibrant environment provides an exceptional setting for immersing oneself in the dynamics of science-based global policymaking.
Learning objectives
- Understand transnational policymaking and the use of evidence and scientific knowledge.
- Explore various models and practices to produce and translate knowledge in support of environmental policymaking.
- Get practical advice and experience from high-level experts and practitioners from International Geneva.
- Build an interdisciplinary network and develop engagement strategies.
Modules
Module 1: Environmental governance - understanding decision-making, power dynamics and the role of expertise.
Module 2: Knowledge brokering - practical skills to translate knowledge in support of policymaking.
Module 3: Collaboration and co-production - the art of building trust and connection across the science-policy boundaries.
Module 4: Process management - facilitating science-policy engagement activities.
Module 5: Leadership and career paths at the interface.
Who can apply?
UCL faculty members who are in continuing UCL appointments and should view themselves as early career researchers (ECRs). Doctoral students are not eligible for this call.
We particularly welcome applicants who have been active in climate change and/or environmental governance and policy, with a strong interest in understanding and engaging with Geneva’s policy landscape.
Applications from applicants who have not applied for, or received funding from, any Global Engagement funding schemes (including seed fund, partner fund, mentorship fund, fellowship fund) will be prioritised. Please see Additional Note below regarding how we pledge to increase reach of support for UCL academic communities.
Applications from all Faculties and disciplines are welcome.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted through GSPI’s application platform.
- Prepare a public link (Google Drive or Dropbox) with your CV and a brief Motivation Letter.
- Fill in the Application Form (please note that you should select Science & Policy for Environmental Action (SPI25) as the course of choice).
- Submit by 9am (BST), Monday 12 May 2025.
Selection criteria and process
Applications will be evaluated on the information provided in the motivation letter, addressing the following criteria:
Relevance of your research to climate and environmental action policies.
Prior experience regarding policy engagement (including national and international government and organisations)
Motivation and expected outcomes of participating in the summer programme.
Short-term and long-term action plan and impact pathway regarding climate change and environmental action policy engagement following the summer programme.
A selection process will take place shortly thereafter, and the result will be announced by 23 May 2025.
Value and duration
UCL Global Engagement will fund up to four ECRs to attend the Geneva Summer Programme. The funding includes the participation fee and associated travel and accommodation expenses for the summer programme (beginning at the UK airport).
The participation fee will be directly managed by the Global Engagement team. Each selected academic should provide a budget breakdown to the Global Engagement team and will be offered up to £2,000 to cover your individual personal travel costs (flights, accommodation, and small subsistence in line with UCL expense policy). Budget guidance will be sent when the result is announced.
Reporting
Following the completion of the summer programme, the selected academics are required to submit a report to the Global Engagement team by 31 August 2025. A template will be shared with the announcement of selection result.
Related links
- Information about the 2025 GSPI Summer School
- Further details about How to Apply
Contact
If you have any queries, please contact:
Christian Jowers
Strategic Global Initiatives Manager
Email Christian