INCORE (International Conflict Research Institute) at the Ulster University wishes to invite you to the 15th International Summer School. The International Summer School will run from 22nd-26th June 2015 at the historic Magee Campus in the city of Derry-Londonderry, on the shores of Lough Foyle in the north west of Northern Ireland, easily accessible by road, rail and air. This year's Summer School will be run in partnership with the Clinton International Summer School.

The INCORE Summer School provides a structured learning opportunity to analyse the dynamic and constantly changing field of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Focusing on the latest research and concepts in peace and conflict studies and practice, participants are invited to compare, contrast and learn from different perspectives. The School offers a unique opportunity to create links between theory, practice and policy. Special attention is given to how the experience and research of both practitioners and academics can impact upon policy makers within the field of conflict transformation, peacemaking, peacebuilding and reconciliation.

This year we are offering two courses to choose from:

• Social Innovation, Technology and Peacebuilding

  New technologies are not only becoming critical to campaigns aimed at social change (both negative and positive change), but are increasingly being used in the peacebuilding and human rights field (e.g. UN early warning systems, mapping conflicts, education). This module will describe and evaluate the impact of new technologies on the nature of violence and the pursuit of peace. It will provide participants with a thorough and critical understanding of the impact that new technologies have had/will have on peace strategies, peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The module is run in partnership with the Nerve Centre and run under the auspice of the newly launched PeaceTechLab. The module will include not only a theoretical background to key issues, but hands on work in the FabLab at the Nerve Centre crafting and building new projects, concepts and ideas using state of the art equipment. A discrete element will then guide learners through the practicalities of commercialising an idea and making it market ready as an entrepreneurial undertaking. The module will appeal to anyone with an interest in peacebuilding and technology, or those from a technology background interested in how technology can contribute to social good. At the same time, the module does not require specific technology skills. Practical work will be tailored to your level of experience and knowledge. The course will be facilitated by Professor Brandon Hamber, Dr. Stephen Ryan (INCORE) and John Peto (Nerve Centre).

• Peacemaking and Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland

  This module is aimed specifically at undergraduates or individuals with less knowledge of the Northern Ireland conflict interested in exploring the lessons from Northern Ireland in terms of peacemaking and peacebuilding. Through a series of lectures and workshops with INCORE staff and invited speakers, participants will be able to examine some of the key themes and issues for themselves. The subject matter to be covered will include an introduction to conflict transformation and peacebuilding theory; peacemaking and the new political disposition in Northern Ireland; justice, truth and reconciliation; segregation, sectarianism and its impact; victims, survivors, and commemoration; the role of personal accounts or testimonies in peacebuilding, and public opinion and attitudinal change in Northern Ireland. The course will be facilitated by Grainne Kelly and Dr. Brendan Lynn (INCORE).

In 2015 INCORE will be partnering with the Clinton International Summer School. Each summer since 2012 the Clinton International Summer Program has brought together accomplished university students from underserved communities around the world to promote entrepreneurship, business leadership and community engagement. The program helps prepare young leaders to advance positive change and development in their home countries. Drawing on Northern Ireland as a model for economic progress in a post-conflict society, emphasis is placed on acquiring the practical knowledge and real-world skills needed to return home and make a concrete, measurable economic and social difference. Participants from the Clinton International Summer Program will join other participants on the Social Innovation, Technology and Peacebuilding course.

     

Alongside these courses there will be opportunity for participants to network with others, gaining a deeper insight into the causes and consequences of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Optional tours of the Derry City Walls and the Giant's Causeway are available. The school also includes an opening buffet and a formal closing dinner on the Friday with Special Guest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, John Hume.

The INCORE Summer School is suited to a range of individuals, including practitioners, academics, researchers and students alike. Applicants are expected to be educated to a minimum of degree level in a relevant subject area (except for the Peacemaking and Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland module where those currently undertaking undergraduate or certificate studies in the peace and conflict area or social/political/international studies is sufficient); and/or to have relevant work experience in a peace and conflict related area. All applications are subject to selection on the basis of suitability for the module applied for.

Previous participants of the INCORE Summer School have included USAID, European Union DG External Relations, UK Department for International Development, World Food Programme, UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and others.

The INCORE Summer School is recognised by the Peace Operations Training Institute, and may form part of The Certificate-of-Training In Peace Support Operations (COTIPSO) Programme. Visit http://www.peaceopstraining.org for further details.

Applications are online and more information can be obtained here.

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