The 4th edition of CPPR – Atlas Policy School which concluded on June 27th, 2015 had 12 aspiring policy researchers from 11 countries converging during the monsoon of Kochi, Kerala, India. Policy School 2015 focused on a data centric approach with inclusion of detailed sessions on statistics and policy impact evaluation. Fine tuning of the syllabus and selection of faculty were done on the basis of the earlier experience and feedback given by the participants. The curriculum had specific themes chosen to give a larger dimension of a data-centric approach towards research Themes like Experience with Urban planning , Consultant’s Perspective on Public Policy and the Art of Lobbying were selected which was backed by intensive research and comprehensive database developed by CPPR. This was aimed to give insights to the participants on how to use data for policy based action and reforms.
The 4th edition of policy school received 126 applications across the globe. After thorough scrutiny and discussions, the twelve candidates were selected. They were from 10 countries viz. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kenya, Nepal, Indonesia, Turkey, Lithuania, Malawi, Cameroon, Sri Lanka and India. The participants were selected from various academic background and other think tank organizations.
The Policy School witnessed leading thoughts leaders in the public policy realm including former bureaucrats, consultants, academicians and from business sharing their knowledge, thought and inspiring the participants. The participants got the opportunity to experience real time research through their field research in Kochi on identified themes; which helped them exposed to the challenges to research and influencing policies.
The feedback from the participants was really encouraging for the organizers to start organizing the next edition. The two weeks of intensive training for the participants with ample opportunities to discuss, debate and deliberate on the various research methodologies is aimed at equipping them to arrive at better policy frameworks in their respective countries. CPPR would soon announce the applications for the next Policy School. So please do check out our website and social media updates!