Geneva International Academic Network

The GIAN (also known by its French acronym RUIG: Réseau universitaire international de Genève) is an international research network founded by the University of Geneva, the Graduate Institute of International Studies (GIIS/IUHEI) and the Graduate Institute of Development Studies (GIDS/IUED). Various international organizations, notably the UN Office at Geneva and the International Committee of the Red Cross, also participated significantly in the network's establishment. The GIAN benefits from the collaborative and financial support of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education of the Canton of Geneva.

The GIAN goal is to create partnerships between various organisations and groups, principally academic institutions and international organisations to further the role of Geneva and Switzerland in the service of peace and justice. One of the GIAN's primary objectives is to promote research and academic activities that combine the talents available within international organisations and the academic community in Geneva. Providing financial assistance to practical and action-oriented activities in the area of international relations, particularly those containing a strong research component, was a specific characteristic of this academic network.

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In June 2007, the Secretariat of the GIAN moved out of its offices at the Villa Rigot, and is currently headquartered in the building which also hosts the Swiss Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the European Free Trade Association and the Varembé conference centre.

Activities

The GIAN used an annual tendering procedure for the funding of academic activities. A maximum of SFr 300,000 was allotted per project. After the 2006 tendering procedure, this tool is no longer in use. In 2007, the GIAN extended its "Small Grants" programme for funding not to exceed SFr 50,000, but due to the closure of the GIAN at the end of 2007, the deadline for Small Grant requests was set for 30 June 2007.

Between 2001 and 2005, the Foundation Board of the GIAN approved 32 projects within the framework of its tendering procedure and 13 projects within the "Small Grants" programme. In 2006, another 11 projects were approved for over SFR 2 million.

Because of the reorganisation of the higher education system in Geneva, the GIAN is slated to end its activities under its current form by 31 December 2007.

Organisation

The GIAN is a Foundation, and as such is governed by a [http://www.ruig-gian.org/gian/members/cf.php Foundation Board] that includes individuals appointed by the aforementioned partners and representatives from other international organisations and academic institutions, as well as the private sector. Two other organs, the [http://www.ruig-gian.org/gian/members/bureau.php Bureau] and a five-member [http://www.ruig-gian.org/gian/members/cs.php Scientific Committee] , carry out a variety of tasks relating to GIAN activities as delegated by the Board. The [http://www.ruig-gian.org/gian/members/secretariat.php Secretariat] runs day-to-day operations and maintains co-ordination among the Foundation's partners.

ee also

*University of Geneva
*Graduate Institute of International Studies
*Graduate Institute of Development Studies
*UNOG
*ICRC
*Geneva

External links

* [http://www.ruig-gian.org/index.php Geneva International Academic Network]
* [http://www.ruig-gian.org/research/projects/index.php Projects supported by the GIAN]
* [http://www.ruig-gian.org/gian/members/index.php Members of the GIAN]