Geneva International Academic Network

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"GIAN" redirects here. For other uses, see GIAN (disambiguation)

Villa Rigot

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, have 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 aims 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, is a specific characteristic of this academic network.

1 Site
2 Activities
3 Organisation
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Site

The Secretariat of the GIAN is headquartered at the 19th-century Villa Rigot, which rests on an expansive plot of land donated to the University in 1942 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. The University subsequently donated this land to the Canton of Geneva . The 53 731 m2 site also encompasses the Pavillon Rigot which houses the Programme for Strategic and International Security Studies of the GIIS/IUHEI and the Geneva Forum, the buildings of the Collège Sismondi (secondary school), and an international tennis club. The Villa, chestnut tree alley and entrance gate are listed as heritage of historical significance.

The site (also known as "Campagne Rigot") is adjacent to the Place des Nations and almost directly across from the main entrance to the Palais des Nations (the United Nations' European headquarters), and across the street from the headquarters of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Telecommunication Union complex.

[edit] 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. Instead, the GIAN has extended its "Small Grants" programme for funding not to exceed SFr 50,000, which will be in effect until the end of 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.

[edit] Organisation

The GIAN is a Foundation, and as such is governed by a 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 Bureauand a five-member Scientific Committee, carry out a variety of tasks relating to GIAN activities as delegated by the Board. The Secretariat manages day-to-day operations and maintains co-ordination among the Foundation's partners.