State-of-the-art foreign policy research opportunities for IU students to work collaboratively with faculty members on critical topics of global policy, including climate change, weapons nonproliferation, democracy and human rights, counter-terrorism, food security and global health.
Harnessing the power of IU's experts and students
Solving complex global problems
Fall 2022 projects are now available
The Department of State will consider bids in the order they are received, so participants are encouraged to apply early.
First round application deadline: April 6
What is Diplomacy Lab?
Launched by the Department of State in 2013 by Secretary of State John Kerry, Diplomacy Lab is a public-private partnership that enables the State Department to "course-source" research and innovation related to global policy challenges by harnessing the efforts of students and faculty experts at colleges and universities across the United States. Projects originate in offices across the State Department and include diverse topics on which faculty bid. Through engagement and education, students and faculty actively contribute to the Secretary of State’s public diplomacy goals. IU's Diplomacy Lab has grown significantly since it was piloted in Bloomington during fall 2016.
Diplomacy Lab projects help our students connect their own learning and research with current policy challenges. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to develop tools and perspectives that they will draw on as global citizens and leaders.
Hannah Buxbaum, VP for International Affairs
How it works at IUB
Over the course of a semester, faculty leaders guide students in developing research projects that accomplish the goals outlined by
Upon completion of the projects, students may have the opportunity to present their work at the Diplomacy Lab Fair in Washington, D.C. Past participants have gone on to government internships, graduate work in international relations, and permanent jobs with the State Department.
300+IUB STUDENTS INVOLVED IN OVER 20 IU DIPLOMACY LAB COURSES
Top 30IN 2016 IU JOINED AN ELITE GROUP OF LEADING ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AS A DIPLOMACY LAB UNIVERSITY
Diplomacy Lab gives students the opportunity to engage with critical issues facing our country and our world through a national and international lens. This partnership truly provides a unique opportunity and setting for our students to become the informed, ethical leaders of their generation.
John Applegate, Interim IUB Provost