Connecting research and practice in peacekeeping
The conclusion of the inaugural UN Peace and Security Fellowship Programme in Trinity Term 2026 marked more than the end of an eight-week academic residency – it was the beginning of a lasting partnership between the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at Oxford and the United Nations, built on a shared commitment to strengthening international peace and security through collaboration, reflection and research.
Launched as a partnership between DPIR and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Fellowship welcomed ten serving UN practitioners from across the world to Oxford. At a time when peace operations face increasingly complex challenges – from protracted conflicts and political instability to emerging security threats – the programme created a rare opportunity for those working on the front lines of international peace and security to step away from the demands of daily operations and engage in deeper reflection and research.
