Maksym Chebotarov, Coordinator of the US–Ukraine Partnership Program, with IIR students during an IIR Policy Lab working session at TDC focused on turning research into actionable policy
In May 2026, 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”, Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU)а також в Transatlantic Dialogue Center (TDC).
The IIR Policy Lab — a three-week analytical intensive that brings together selected, highly motivated IIR students to work in teams on real-world assignments provided by partner organizations. Throughout the program, participants develop structured policy documents and present their findings during a final defense before practitioners. Designed to mirror professional think-tank workflows, Policy Lab guides students through the full cycle of applied analytical work – from research design and evidence collection to drafting policy outputs and delivering clear, practice-oriented conclusions.
In June 2026, the student teams finalized their topics and presented them, marking a key milestone in the program’s progression from research design to applied analytical work.
As part of TDC’s practical assignment, students were developing 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 guided participants through problem framing, stakeholder mapping, structured data collection, and the drafting of concise, evidence-based recommendations – allowing the team to test TDC’s methodology while producing a tangible, policy-relevant deliverable.
TDC is glad to partner with the Institute of International Relations to support emerging talent and strengthen the connection between academic training and applied policy research.