The International Research by Students Programme (IRSP) is an initiative of Clio, the faculty association of International Relations and International Organisation (IRIO). The IRSP has come in existence in 2004. The first aim of the IRSP is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire experience with regard to conducting research. After successful years the IRSP is becoming more experienced in the field of research. Further information regarding the research qualities and characteristics can be found on the 'Research' pages.

In recent years, we have witnissed global developments on the fields of economics, human rights, war and peace, and, furthermore,  on the political field. These global developments have taught us one very important fact. The fact that we have run out of simple solutions. All of the global questions or problems, and all global solutions expand the borders of a single field of knowledge. In recent years, it has become apparent that every field of knowlegde is connected to the rest of these fields of knowledge. The political field, whether it is national or international. is very much interrelated with economics, law and the relations between states and organisations.  Present day, economic consequences determine most of our actions. And on the other hand, the actions of you and I determine the behaviour of our economy. Our sense of right and wrong is, because of the growing importance of communication, a combination between national and international law, and norms and values. The social preformance of a company, also called the corporate social responsibility (CSR), is becoming of greater importance every day. It is not just about making profit anymore. Profit has to be combined with, for instance, sustaining the environment, promoting alternative energy sources or aiding those in need. There are a lot of possibilities for a company or enterprise to fulfill this corporate social responsibility. Because our students are schooled in multiple fields of knowlegde and are eager to apply and combine them, the students are suited to investigate these possibilities and to advise companies or enterprises in a professional and knowledgeable manner. Moreover, the students in our program can present national or international entities with explanations and/or solutions regarding the globalisation of the economy, of national and international law, of human rights, domestic and foreign politics and more.

The IRSP Board has organized multiple researches regarding national and international issues. These researches include researches for private enterprises, national ministries, national embassies and NGO's. For further information about our previous partners, I would like to envite you to take a look at our  "Partners" page, where you can find the details of our partners and the research conducted for them. If you would like to receive extra information about our partners and researches conducted, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to provide you with extra information.

Foremost, the goal of  the IRSP  is to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and to gain practical experience with regard to conducting a professional research. The IRSP will offer students multiple ways of improving their research skills by means of workshops, the supervision of experienced professors and set guidelines by either the IRSP Board or it's partner. Furthermore, most researches will include a fieldtrip where students can do on-side research. Students should keep in mind that, eventhough you "work" for a instructing party, the research is above all a learning experience. Students are expected to present and conducted a professional research, by means of following workshops; expanding their knowledge and trying their best.

The IRSP Board seeks to provide a variety of researches, so that students can apply for the research closest to their expectations and ambitions. Further information about the Programme of 2011-2012 can be found on the "Programme of 2011-2012" page. I also would like to envite students to look at the archive where you can find photos, blogs and more about the previous researches. Moreover, students should not be reluctant to contact us with questions, suggestions or remarks. The IRSP will organise lectures and/or meetings where students can get more information and where questions can be answered.