The Applied Research Projects (ARPs) are a foundational component of MINT. ARPs involve small student groups coming together to conduct policy-relevant research with partner organisations on issues relating to international relations and development.
Through ARPs, students learn and apply analytical and practical skills to policy-relevant issues. Students work under the supervision of a Faculty Lead and are expected to: elaborate project Terms of Reference and frame appropriate research questions; conduct in-depth literature reviews and design relevant methodologies; undertake original research; analyse primary data; write analytic preliminary and final reports; and present final research findings. Teamwork, collaboration, professionalism, effective communication, and problem solving are crucial skills that the ARP process aims to teach students.
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
ARP Partner organisations are expected to provide guidance and support to students to generate research that is of policy and practical relevance. Applying to serve as an ARP Partner Organisation is a competitive process; successful applicants demonstrate a commitment to supporting students across the project period, including through the provision of technical expertise, supporting students’ professional learning, and helping students connect with other leading experts in the relevant field of practice.
ARP Partner Organisations are expected to:
- provide overall framing of the research project;
- participate in approximately 5 meetings with students across the project period (September-May);
- attend the final presentation (end April or early May);
- provide feedback on and validate students’ deliverables, including the Terms of Reference (October), Inception Report (December) and the Preliminary (April) and Final Outputs (May).
ARP Partners are also expected to adhere to the Geneva Graduate Institute's Code of Conduct and to sign a Charter of Commitments.
The Call for ARP Partner organisations for the 2027-2028 academic year will be open from 15 May – 31 July 2027. Should you have any questions about the ARP please reach out to Dr. Erna Burai, Head of Applied Research Projects: erna.burai@graduateinstitute.ch
