Applied Research Projects (Capstones) bring together small groups of students from the Graduate Institute with partners from diverse sectors of International Geneva to conduct innovative research that addresses real-world challenges.
Applied Research Projects (Capstones) are a unique pedagogical experience where small groups of graduate students work with partners from International Geneva to conduct research projects that respond to today’s global challenges. Projects are part of the master curricula and carry nine ECTS.
Our Students
Our students come from over 100 different countries and more than 70% speak three languages or more. The majority have had some form of international work experience. As student researchers, they typically employ multiple methods, including literature and desk reviews, interviews, surveys, benchmarking, stakeholder analyses and secondary data analyses.
Our Partners
Our partners come from a diverse range of sectors and include governmental, non-governmental, international and non-profit organisations, as well as corporations, associations and foundations. Research topics have included trade, economics and finance, global security, conflict and peace building, migration and refugees, environment and sustainability, global health, gender and human rights, business and development and more.
How to Become a Partner?
Applied Research Project (Capstones) partners propose a research challenge, some background and a set of initial research questions. Students are invited to apply for projects based on these proposals. Projects kick-off in April and are completed by December. Outputs comprise a final report plus infographic and/or other communication media. Partners provide guidance and direction to the group. Academic supervision and coordination is provided by the Graduate Institute.
Mobilities, Spaces and Cities
IOM – Livelihoods in protracted displacement: what really works?
Terre des Hommes – Situational analysis of child begging in Senegal, focusing on Talibé children
Power, Conflict and Development
GCERF – Preventing Violent Extremism and Humanitarian Action: synergies, tensions and a space for action
WILPF – Gendered impact of artisanal and small scale mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Environment, Resources and Sustainability
WFP – How has collective response contributed towards averting famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north-eastern Nigeria?
Oxfam UK – Sustainable subsidies for water and sanitation in the developing world
Global Security
OHCHR – The role of armed forces in transitions: promoting or abusing human rights
DCAF – Establishing the nexus between conflict prevention and security sector reform
Trade and International Finance
UNCTAD – Selected impacts of digital technologies on LDC manufacturing
OECD – Leveraging more from the Digital Economy in Developing Countries
Additional Themes
MERCK – Research on the global discourse on access/ global health and supply chain & delivery challenges
WEF – Higher Education on the Spot: MOOC opportunities for Developing Countries
2021 Project with UNI Global Union on the exploitation of migrant workers through G4S Qatar’s unfair recruitment practices published by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
2019 Applied Research Project (Capstone) project with the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) on security risk management. A shortened version of the project was also published by the ICVA as a briefing paper in May 2020. Read a news article about this project.
2019 Applied Research Project (Capstone) with the World Economic Forum (WEF) on mobilizing the private sector in peacebuilding.
2018 Applied Research Project (Capstone) with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on the gendered impacts of weather and climate. Read a news article about this project.
Applied Research Project Partner Application Form
