International Policy Research Discovery Program

In May 2026, IIS launched the International Policy Research Discovery (IPRD) program, which connects and supervises students conducting policy-relevant research for international civil society collaborators. The inaugural cohort of ten Cal undergraduate and master’s students produced research over a ten-week period for PAEMA (Preventing and Ending Mass Atrocities), a human rights organization drawing attention to the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Each IPRD participant produced at least two deliverables such as literature reviews, briefing papers, and conflict news monitors. The research was used internally by PAEMA and shared externally with international policymakers working to protect civilians impacted by armed conflict. 

Meet some of our inaugural cohort members!

Read participant reflections about the IPRD program from inaugural cohort members Elliott Suarez and Malin Petersson.

This program ultimately gave me the chance to contribute back to my community and opened many doors as well. In the future, I would surely see many more great opportunities in this field but nothing would be as valuable as IPRD for me since this was the program that started everything!
Summer 2026 IPRD Participant
Absolutely life-changing experience! This program has great impact and the experience you gain from this can open a lot of doors for you.
Summer 2026 IPRD Participant
I would highly recommend the IRPD for anyone interested in research in atrocity prevention, human rights, and conflict prevention. I had no prior formal research experience, and this program immersed me completely. I learned everything there was to know about a conflict and region I previously knew nothing about, and how to produce conflict monitoring deliverables.
Summer 2026 IPRD Participant
Working as a research assistant for PAEMA has been an excellent opportunity to improve my research skills by analyzing developing conflicts around the world, as well as understanding the underlying causes for these mass atrocities.
Summer 2026 IPRD Participant

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