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Established by Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations in partnership with the UN Department of Peace Operations, the programme brings serving UN practitioners to Oxford to undertake policy-relevant research on peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and political missions.
Over the course of the eight-week programme beginning on Monday 27 April, ten fellows from diverse professional backgrounds will step away from operational duties to reflect on the strategic challenges facing contemporary peace operations. Supported by academic mentors and access to Oxford’s research resources, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and policy practice at a time when the effectiveness and legitimacy of UN missions are under sustained scrutiny.
The Fellowship is directed by Professor Richard Caplan, who emphasised the need for closer engagement between practitioners and researchers to help peace operations adapt to evolving political and security realities. Professor David Doyle, Head of Department, highlighted the value of practitioner–scholar exchange in generating fresh thinking while enriching academic communities with frontline insights.
Fellows will engage with students and scholars throughout their residency, present their findings at a concluding seminar, and submit policy-focused research papers.
The Fellowship is supported by a contribution from Sai Prakash Leo Muthu and Sairam Institutions, in honour of the late Leo Muthu.
The programme will culminate in a public lecture on Thursday 18 June by Under Secretary General, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, reflecting on the future direction of UN peace operations. More details and how to register for this event will be released soon.
Meet the Fellows - click on their profiles to find out more
The greatest strength of the United Nations is its people and the immense knowledge they carry. This fellowship offers our colleagues a unique space to reflect, refine and share those insights.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under Secretary General, UNDPO
The fellowship will run during Oxford’s Trinity Term and will be directed by Richard Caplan, Professor of International Relations at DPIR.
The fellowship is designed to bridge the worlds of policy and scholarship, fostering fresh thinking on the pressing challenges facing international peace and security, and advancing innovative approaches to complex global problems.
Professor Richard Caplan, International Relations and Director of the DPO-Oxford fellowship scheme
Professor David Doyle, Head of DPIR, said the fellowship reflects a growing commitment to practitioner‑scholar exchange:
By bringing UN practitioners into direct dialogue with researchers, we aim to spark fresh thinking on today’s peace and security challenges. At the same time, our students and academics benefit from insights from those working at the front lines of global peace efforts.
Professor David Doyle, Head of DPIR, University of Oxford
The Peace and Security Fellowship is supported by a generous contribution from Sai Prakash Leo Muthu and Sairam Institutions, in honour of the late Leo Muthu, Founder‑Chairman of the Sairam Institutions.
"Peacebuilding requires leaders equipped with both intellectual depth and practical understanding. This Fellowship plays a critical role by bringing together academic excellence and real-world experience."
Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO, Sairam Institutions
