The Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (IIR) has launched the IIR Policy Lab together with the Foreign Policy Council “Ukrainian Prism”, the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU), and the Transatlantic Dialogue Center (TDC).
The IIR Policy Lab is a three-week analytical intensive in which selected and highly motivated IIR students work in teams on real-world partner assignments. Throughout the program, participants develop structured policy documents and present their findings during a final defense before practitioners. The Policy Lab is designed to mirror professional think-tank workflows – from research design and evidence collection to drafting analytical outputs and presenting conclusions.
On May 12, 2026, the Transatlantic Dialogue Center hosted the students’ team for a kick-off working session to set up and plan the project workflow. During the meeting, participants outlined the overall framework, agreed on the most effective working tools, discussed key messages and communication channels, and shaped the first set of tasks and deliverables.
As part of TDC’s practical assignment, students will develop a case study focused on turning research into actionable policy outputs and strategic communications related to the U.S.–Ukraine “Drone Deal” initiative. The case study will guide participants through the full cycle of applied analytical work – problem framing, stakeholder mapping, structured data collection, and drafting concise, evidence-based recommendations – enabling the team to test TDC’s methodology and produce a tangible, policy-relevant deliverable.
We are glad to partner with the Institute of International Relations to support emerging talent and strengthen the link between academic training and applied policy research.
Stay tuned for updates on the first outcomes of the IIR Policy Lab and the participants’ work.