UNIL empowers master’s students to co-create research with partners in the field abroad

What if a master’s thesis could be more than an academic exercise? What if it could become a bridge between university research and the pressing needs of society? With the launch of its Global Partnership Programme, the University of Lausanne is offering master’s students a chance to turn their academic work into a meaningful contribution to the world.

 

The pilot phase of the programme invites master’s students from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment to carry out part of their thesis abroad, in collaboration with partners in the field – NGOs, cultural institutions, museums, public administrations, and more. The goal? To tackle real societal challenges through research that is grounded, relevant, and impactful.

Whether it’s working with a museum on cultural memory, supporting an NGO’s climate adaptation efforts, or helping a local administration address urban planning issues, students are encouraged to engage with partners who are actively shaping their communities. The research must respond to a concrete societal need, making the thesis not just a scholarly exercise, but a tool for change.

Tailored support

The aim of this initiative is to offer financial, methodological and administrative support to students wishing to carry out their Master’s thesis abroad. To help students navigate this journey, UNIL offers personalised workshops led by researchers and experts in partnership-based reseach. These sessions provide:

• advice on identifying and connecting with partners in the field;
• tools to strengthen project management and research ethics skills;
• a collaborative space to share experiences and learn from peers.

This new programme offers a compelling example of how Open Lab-based approaches can connect academic research with societal needs. It also reflects UNIL’s commitment to fostering participatory approaches – where universities act as collaborative hubs, working hand-in-hand with society.

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