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
Spring 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. A reduced list of remaining projects will be released on November 1, final deadline to be announced.
First round application deadline: October 27
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.
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 compete in Wonk Tank and 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
DiploLab Demo Day
This inaugural virtual event showcased exemplary presentations from the Fall 2020 cohort of Diplomacy Lab research projects. Student teams presented in a fast-paced “pitch-style” format, and demonstrations were followed by brief discussions between the State Department and faculty leads for the projects.
Support from the provost
"An exciting opportunity for us to do what a research-focused, international university does best -- connect our students to meaningful engagement opportunities on critical issues facing our country and our world. I’m so pleased to see IU students taking part in real-life civic affairs, and analyzing important policy matters through a national and international lens. This provides a unique laboratory for our students to become the ethical leaders of their generation."
- Provost Lauren Robel