This course explores how science and policy can work hand in hand to tackle today’s complex environmental challenges—from climate change to biodiversity loss. Participants will develop the skills needed to operate at the science-policy interface, with a focus on global environmental governance and local ecological transitions.

Target Audience

This course is for early career researchers (minimum PhD candidates). Master’s students might be allowed in the programme on a case by case basis if their background and motivation letter show strong interest and/or early experience in science-policy engagement). Young professionals from international organisations, public institutions, diplomacy, non-governmental organisations, etc.

Course Description

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 rather 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.

This Geneva Summer School offers a unique opportunity for early career researchers, policy professionals and civil society actors to:

• Understand transnational policymaking and the use of evidence and scientific knowledge: participants will gain insights into the notion of environmental governance, how policies are formulated and implemented at the international, national and local levels, the role of evidence and scientific knowledge in decision-making processes, as well as the role of non-state actors.
• Understand the various models and strategies to produce and translate knowledge in support of policymaking: participants will understand how the interactions between science and policy actors have evolved over time, from linear approaches to more relational and integrated approaches, learn practical resources and skills to conduct knowledge translation initiatives and policy dialogues, and get to know the critical role of boundary organisations and knowledge brokers play.
• Gain practical insights from high-level experts and practitioners from International Geneva: participants will find out about the dynamics and politics of expertise in policymaking from seasoned experts with first-hand experience and discover the strategic and cultural skills required to navigate the science-policy interface.
• Develop your network and gain interdisciplinary exposure: participants will get opportunities for networking with researchers, peers and experts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and sectors of activity, broadening their perspectives, and developing their capacity for interdisciplinary approaches to addressing global environmental challenges.
• Reflect on how you can develop engagement strategies or career pathways in your own context: participants will get the opportunity to share about their current research or professional activity and benefit from feedback on how to further advance their objectives.

The course will include interactive sessions, conceptual and methodological lectures, round tables, field visits and practical activities. It will involve high-level experts and practitioners working at the science-policy interface.

Module 1: Environmental governance systems and the role of science
Module 2: Understanding the science-policy interface: models, functions and actors
Module 3: Boundary-spanning as a field of practice: key engagement skills
Module 4: Field visits and practical activities
Module 5: Strategies and career paths at the interface

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Further Courses on Offer as Part of the Geneva Summer Schools Programme

Below you will find a list of all the courses currently on offer. Click here to view the course list on the official website.

• Children at the Heart of Human Rights
• Digital Innovations for a Happier, Healthier Aging
• Digital Law
• Drugs, Health, Policy and Power
• Education in Emergencies
• Global Health Law
• Global Health: Advocacy and Diplomacy in Action
• Green Activism: From Planetary Engagement to Criminalization
• International Law & International Humanitarian Law
• Leadership for Sustainability Transition
• Listen, Engage, Connect: Explore The Science Communication Arena
• Microplastics: From Environmental Impact to Policy, Innovation, and Public Awareness
• Prejudice, Discrimination, and the Diversity Challenge
• Science & Policy for Environmental Action
• SDG Summer School: Planetary Health
• Submerged Prehistoric Landscapes
• WIPO – UNIGE: Intellectual Property

Click the ‘Visit event’ button below to visit the official Geneva Summer Schools website to read more about the courses, including application deadlines and how to apply.

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Cover photo by Pierre-Axel Cotteret.