IMSISS Student Ilenia Attends NEA Global Forum at MIT
Last month, IMSISS student Ilenia Bruseghello represented the University of Glasgow, as well as the IMSISS programme, at the NEA Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on September 20th and 21st September 2023. Ilenia shared her thoughts on this great opportunity below – well done Ilenia!
“I was truly honoured to represent the University of Glasgow and the IMSISS programme at the NEA Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology, and Policy held at MIT. This experience provided a remarkable platform to showcase my research on mitigating non-proliferation risks associated with nuclear energy in space exploration. The forum’s expert panel discussions broadened my horizons, offering valuable insights and perspectives on nuclear policy and technology. Meeting and networking with inspiring women in this field reaffirmed my passion and commitment to contributing to the advancement of nuclear science, policy and technology. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my mentors and peers, this opportunity has not only expanded my knowledge but also reinforced my determination to make a positive impact in this critical domain.”
OTH Regensburg: Successful International Summer School on Intelligence Analysis
Students from all over the world were drawn to the annual IMSISS Summer School at the OTH Regensburg once again to learn about methods of intelligence analysis and to apply them to practice in an intensive two-week programme.
For the 9th time, the annual Summer School on “Intelligence Analysis” took place at the OTH Regensburg. The event has become an integral part of the summer programme at the university and continues to be a very popular offer for the international students of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree Master’s programme Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) at the University of Glasgow.
Intensive Programme with High Practical Relevance
In an intensive two-week programme from July 31 to August 11, 2023, the 40 participating students learned methods of intelligence analysis and critical thinking, which they then applied themselves. In groups of four to six people, they dealt with one country of the Sahel region per group, for which they prepared a strategic forecast of the development of the security situation over the next five to seven years. The students were professionally supported and guided by Prof. Dr. Markus Bresinsky, Georg Fuchs, and Johanna Schröder, as well as by the four research interns who had completed the Summer School the previous year. The students applied methods and tools for scenario development, such as the Cone of Plausibility, and used them to develop scenarios for the respective country, which they presented in a final briefing. This practical orientation not only helped the participants to practice the methods they had learned, but also taught them a great deal about the countries in the Sahel region. Leading up to the Summer School, the students had already been prepared in terms of content since May through various tasks and with the virtual support of the four research interns. This way, students already had the necessary prior knowledge and could concentrate on learning the methods on site in Regensburg.
Addressing Current Developments
The varied programme also included several guest lectures: two experts from the Dublin City University, Prof. Dr. Christian Kaunert and Emmet Foley, gave helpful input on the role of terrorism in the Sahel region and on the way intelligence agencies methodically analyze the phenomenon. Not only current developments in the countries the students analyzed, but also technical advancements and their use in intelligence analysis were addressed: research interns from the IMSISS Master’s programme presented their paper on the utility of ChatGPT in intelligence analysis. The Summer School was rounded off by a campus picnic, a joint visit to a beer garden, and finally, the Danube Sunset Cruise on the ship “Kristallkönigin” following the final presentations.
The Summer School was organised in close cooperation with the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW) at the OTH Regensburg. As part of a research internship, four IMSISS students who had already participated in last year’s Summer School assisted in the preparation and implementation of this year’s Summer School. Again, in the next summer semester, students from the Summer School will come to Prof. Bresinsky’s lab for an internship. The event is part of the “Intelligence and Analysis” university certificate, which is offered through the ZWW and is also open to interested candidates outside of the OTH Regensburg.
A Warm Welcome to our 2023-2025 Cohort!
Last week we held welcome events for our new 2023-2025 cohort of IMSISS students. It was great for everyone to get together – we wish you all the best for the two years ahead and look forward to working with you!
IMSISS Student Moreblessing Attends ACU Summer School at Stellenbosch University
Attending the Association of Commonwealth Universities summer school hosted by Stellenbosch University in South Africa from the 2nd to the 10th of July under the theme “Truth and Reconciliation: From Apartheid to Transitional Justice” was an eye-opening and transformative experience.
Throughout the program, I had the privilege of engaging with brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common passion for truth and reconciliation. The sessions were thoughtfully curated, offering a deep exploration of South Africa’s complex history and its journey towards healing after the dark era of apartheid.
The lectures and discussions were intellectually stimulating, allowing us to critically analyse the challenges and triumphs of the truth and reconciliation process. Learning about the courageous efforts made by individuals and communities to confront their painful pasts and seek understanding was both inspiring and humbling.
Beyond the academic aspect, the summer school facilitated rich cultural exchanges. Interacting with fellow participants from different parts of the Commonwealth brought a global perspective to the topic, enriching our discussions and fostering lasting friendships.
The experiential learning opportunities were thoughtfully integrated into the program. Visits to historical sites and conversations with local activists and survivors further deepened our understanding of the impact of apartheid and the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation in South Africa.
As a participant, I left the summer school with a profound sense of appreciation for the power of truth and reconciliation in healing societies and fostering unity. The lessons learned will undoubtedly influence my future academic pursuits and personal endeavours, empowering me to become a more informed and compassionate global citizen.
Many thanks to Dr Timothy Peacock for helping me with a reference which I believe was the cornerstone for my successful application, I am forever grateful. I am immensely grateful to the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Stellenbosch University for organizing such a remarkable program and providing us with an unforgettable experience that will continue to resonate with me for years to come.
Moreblessing Takura Madzikatire
IMSISS Students Ilenia and Mariavittoria Attend Future Leaders' Global Policy Forum
In May this year, IMSISS students Ilenia Bruseghello and Mariavittoria Maggi were selected as fellows to attend the prestigious third edition of the Future Leaders’ Global Policy Forum (GPF). Co-hosted by ISPI, Bocconi University, and OECD, in collaboration with Think7 Japan, this forum stands as a prominent international platform for engaging in critical discussions on pressing global issues and challenges that lie ahead. Ilenia and Mariavittoria were also awarded scholarships, enabling them to fully participate in the event.
The 2023 edition of the Future Leaders’ GPF was held in Milan on May 22-23. It brought together 500 Future Leaders from G20 countries and beyond, aged between 20 and 35 years old. These young leaders actively participated in GPF panels and attended tailor-made closed-door events. The forum covered a wide range of global issues, including the ramifications of the Ukraine war and other security crises, the transition towards achieving net zero emissions, the challenges of high prices and low growth, and the processes of digitalization, development, and social inclusion.
For Ilenia and Mariavittoria, attending the Future Leaders’ GPF provided them with invaluable insights into current security crises and pressing global challenges. They had the opportunity to explore potential future trends and developments and network with experienced academics, professionals, and fellow participants.
Czechia visa restrictions for Russian and Belarusian nationals
Due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Czechia has placed restrictions on visa services for nationals of Russia and Belarus.
Russian and Belarusian nationals who wish to apply for the IMSISS programme should be aware that, unless they are subject to an exemption listed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czechia, they will be refused entry to the Czechia for the mobility period at Charles University Prague.
We ask any Russian and Belarusian prospective applicants to familiarise themselves with Czech visa regulations and any announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czechia. Please consider these restrictions before applying to participate in the IMSISS programme.
For more information on the restrictions in place and any exemptions to these, please see the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czechia.
International Women's Day - Inspiring Alumni From Each Of Our Partners
Yesterday was International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8 every year.
There is much to celebrate about women’s achievements, and yet there is still more we can all do, women and allies alike, to #EmbraceEquity and ensure that we build a world for those that come after us that is evermore diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
We’ve compiled a list of successful women in various fields who’ve graduated from each of our partner universities below.
Marion Gilchrist, University of Glasgow
Marion Gilchrist was the first woman to graduate from the University of Glasgow in 1894, and the first woman in Scotland to graduate with a medical degree, despite medicine being considered an ‘unfeminine’ subject at the time.
She worked as a GP in Glasgow, specialising in eye diseases, and was also an early motoring enthusiast, having a garage on Ashton Lane. She was also a leading figure in the UK suffragette movement, but change took time: it would be 34 years after Marion graduate that women were finally granted full voting rights.
Angela Nagle, Dublin City University
An alumna of Dublin City University, Angela Nagle is an American-born Irish academic and non-fiction writer who was written for numerous publications including The Baffler and Jacobin. She authored the book “Kill All Normies”, published in 2017, which discusses the role of the internet in the rise of the alt-right and incel movements. Nagle describes the alt-right as a dangerous movement, but she also criticizes aspects of the left that have, she says, contributed to the alt-right’s rise. She completed her PhD at DCU with a thesis titled ‘An investigation into contemporary online anti-feminist movements’
Rosy Bindi, University of Trento
Maria Rosaria Bindi, best known as Rosy Bindi, is an Italian politician and the former President of the Antimafia Commission. From 1984 to 1989, she was Vice-President of Azione Cattolica, the most popular Catholic lay association Italy, before joining the Christian Democracy Party. After that part’s dissolution, she joined the Italian People’s Party and became a leading figure in Romano Prodi’s left-to-centre ‘Olive Tree’ coalition. Following that coalition’s election victory, she served as Minister of Health for four years in successive governments.
Eliška Krásnohorská, Charles University
An alumna of Charles University, Eliška Krásnohorská was a Czech feminist author and the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Charles University in 1922. She wrote works of literary criticism, children’s literature and translations, and numerous libretti (texts written for opera performances). She wrote for four operas by Bedřich Smetana: The Kiss, The Secret, The Devil’s Wall and Viola. In 1873, she founded the women’s magazine ‘Ženské listy’, which she led until 1912. She also established the first Czech grammar school for girls in 1890.
DCU Students Attend EuroSim in Wales
Last month, IMSISS students Karolin Vanessa Rippich and Coraline Patars represented IMSISS and Dublin City University (DCU) at 2023’s EuroSim taking place in Newport, Wales. Read below to hear about their experience.
“It was a great honour to represent IMSISS and Dublin City University (DCU) at 2023’s EuroSim taking place in Newport, Wales, in my role as Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan.
Negotiating regulations to cushion the emerging burdens of increased EU climate action on vulnerable households across Europe as part of the “amending” of the legislative proposal for the European Social Climate Fund was a challenging yet educational endeavour.
As someone not coming from a political science or international relations background, participating in one of the world’s largest simulations of decision-making processes in the European Union was particularly insightful. Not only did I improve my knowledge of the inner workings of the EU but got to (partially) experience and shape them myself.
I also very much enjoyed the opportunity to not only gain hands-on experience in terms of the preparatory nature of such conferences and official meetings but also the diplomatic tools required to make things happen. Apart from enhancing our oral communication skills through debate, negotiation, and compromise with other participants, we also had the chance to practice our research and organisational skills.
Engaging with numerous talented people from around the world was particularly interesting when discussing EU political and climate issues. Our diverse cultural and academic backgrounds unquestionably expanded the scope of our debates and had us look at the issues at hand from different perspectives. Getting to know Wales and being introduced to Welsh history and culture as a part of this experience was equally enriching.
Thus, I would, once again, like to extend my gratitude to the team at DCU for inviting/enabling us to participate in this year’s EuroSim.”
Karolin Vanessa Rippich
“In January I had the privilege to participate and contribute to the Wales EuroSim 2023 event as a representative of the Dublin City University. Bringing together over two hundred students from Europe and North America, this annual European Union simulation is a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a decision-maker.
In my role as Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, I negotiated within a simulated European Council. It was fun, sometimes stressful as you want to engage and be prepared but, honestly, a great experience. The key topics of this year’s negotiation were energy security, financing, affordability of domestic sourcing and foreign policy coordination. We had insightful discussions on specific policies such as the REPowerEU Plan and the European Green Deal.
Beyond strengthening my knowledge of international law and the EU decision-making process, participating in this conference allowed me to enhance several soft skills such as cooperating, debating, speaking in public and problem solving. EuroSim was also a great opportunity to get to know students from across the world, with very diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
I want to thank the University of South Wales for welcoming and introducing us to the history and culture of their country, as well as the Dublin City University for giving me this amazing opportunity. It was nice to be part of such an international, passionate and ambitious group of students. If asked: “Would you do it again?” – the answer is definitely YES.”
Coraline Patars
2020-2022 Cohort Graduation Ceilidh
At the end of November the 2020-2022 IMSISS Graduates had a ceilidh to celebrate their achievements a day after their graduation ceremony. It was great to have so many of them here in Glasgow to celebrate. Ceilidhs are traditional Scottish social gatherings that involve dancing and Gaelic folk music and a great time was had by all of us.
You should all be so proud of your achievements, particularly the resilience you all displayed in completing your studies and supporting each other through a pandemic.
Congratulations again to every one of you on this wonderful achievement and we wish you all the very best in whatever you do next.
We’d like to thank Jack Donaghy Photography for the excellent photos from the night. You can view all the photos below.
Click to watch our video from the night
Applications for 2024 entry
Applications for entry to the IMSISS programme in September 2024 will open on Sunday, 1st October 2023.
The application deadlines are as follows:
- International/EU applications: 26th July 2024
- Home (UK) applications: 16th August 2024
Please note that there are no Erasmus Mundus Scholarships available this year. However, you can find additional funding opportunities here. In addition, the Consortium may be able to provide some yet unconfirmed funding, further details to be provided in due course. To be eligible for consideration for these particular funding opportunities, applicants must have already submitted an application in a self-funded capacity and have been given offer to the programme.
We look forward to receiving more top-quality applications this year. All details on how to apply can be found on our website – see the Apply section and the Scholarships & Fees section.
