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Autumn Newsletter - As leaves start to fall from the old Dutch trees surrounding the institute, we bring you our fourth and final newsletter of 2019! - Over the next quarter, we'll be co-hosting a Social Protection course in Chiang Mai, followed by a Master's Open Day and several PhD defences at home in Maastricht. - Through our research and training we explore the push and pull of international development: focusing on innovation through science and entrepreneurship (#SDG9) and governance through public policy analysis (#SDG16). |
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Upcoming Events - In late October 2019, we'll be co-hosting a course on “Designing and Implementing Social Protection Systems”. Co-led in Thailand with the Economic Policy Research Institute, Prof. Franziska Gassmann will help train policymakers, officials and representatives from international agencies and NGOs. - On 30 November 2019, we'll be holding our Autumn Master's Open Day, where visitors will be able to ask staff, students and alumni all about the programme. “This Master's not only equips you with the necessary tools and techniques,” said alumnus Mantej Pardesi, “it actually improves you… on a very personal level”. - In the fourth quarter of 2019, we'll present no fewer than five PhD defences on issues ranging from technology in the Asian miracle, to "social activation" in the Netherlands, to the effects of vocational rehabilitation in Germany. |
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Latest News - We were joined over the summer by UN SDG Advocate Prof. Jeffrey Sachs for an evening debate on the future of development economics. Dr. Ibrahima Kaba interviewed the famous expert live on stage, later summing up how China was "the elephant in the room" for Africa and the United Nations. - In late September 2019, we travelled to Vienna to co-host a workshop with UNIDO, the UN Industrial Development Organization. Co-led by Prof. Neil Foster-McGregor, the event looked at the “Future of Industrial Work”, covering automation, artificial intelligence, as well as particular challenges for Africa and India. - A large EU-funded project involving Prof. Pierre Mohnen will provide a raft of policy recommendations to set Europe on a more balanced course of development – one fuelled by innovation but sensitive to issues like climate, demographic and labour changes. |
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Recent Publications - Are farmers willing to accept payments for ecosystem services? If so, what should be the mode and timing of payments? A new article examines the case of climate-smart agroforestry in Ethiopia. - What’s the real background to the oil curse? A new paper suggests that the so-called “natural resource curse” originates not in “simply having” natural resources but as a result of chronic mismanagement leading to lower productivity. - Does it pay to be avant-garde and do “novel” science? A new study investigates selection patterns across Swiss research programmes — and finds that innovative scientists are more likely to apply for research funds but are less likely to win. |
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Application Deadlines - FINAL CALL! Apply by 15 October 2019 for our Dual Career Training Programme to obtain a PhD in Governance and Policy Analysis (GPAC²). This part-time PhD programme meets the needs and availability of researchers and working professionals, including UN staff, allowing them to combine their careers with obtaining a PhD. - Apply by 15 December 2019 for our spring course on Evidence-Based Policy Research Methods (EPRM). Filling the gap between a Master’s and the start of a research project, this 14-week programme targets policymakers and researchers who want to sharpen their skills and outputs. |
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Alumni Activities - Join a global network of 70,000 graduates in the Netherlands, Europe and beyond. Reconnect with fellow alumni or expand your professional network via our Maastricht Alumni Circles. - Upcoming events are now set for Bonn, Brussels and Paris – to name but a few – including breakfasts, drinks and networking. - The Star Lecture series will recommence on 6 February 2020, featuring talks across Europe on issues like big data for health and "humane" sustainable buildings. |
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Multimedia - See our latest Shorthand stories on fieldwork in East Africa and science reporting in South America. Also check our Media op-eds on the rise of artificial intelligence and the decline of entrepreneurship in the West. - Until next time, in early January, please see our social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube – where you can find interviews on the future of industrial work with Prof. Kunal Sen of UNU-WIDER and PhD Fellow Emmanuel Buadi Mensah. - You can also stay up-to-date on all our major publications via our monthly First Impressions roundup. |
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