Dear Readers,

as summer arrives, it is time for another exciting edition of the IEE Newsletter. This issue is packed with inspiring stories, insightful reports, and a look ahead to the activities and events that will shape the coming  months at the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE).

This year marks the final phase of the European Joint Doctorate “Eradicating Extreme Poverty: Pathways  Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” project (ADAPTED). Simon Rahn, ADAPTED  coordinator, provides an overview of the recent annual meeting in Paris, ongoing research activities, and  plans for the upcoming final conference in Cape Town.

You can also read about how Irene Among, who is part of the ADAPTED program, shares her profound experiences from her ‘year in the field’ in Uganda and South Africa. From teaching in Cape Town to observing social protection reforms in Kampala, her journey highlights the complex processes and  challenges of building coherent social protection systems.

Continuing under this theme, PhD student, Ricardo Paris, reflects on his 6 months of fieldwork along the Nacala Corridor in Northern Mozambique. His report brings to life the complex interactions between development projects, local communities, and the vibrant cultural landscape of Mozambique.

The IEE proudly welcomes 17 new graduates of the MA Development Management (MADM) programme and introduces the promising new cohort starting this September. Anne Siebert, Coordinator of the MADM, provides a detailed account of the graduation ceremony and the rigorous selection process for new
students.

In addition, Anne Siebert reports on the successful spring meeting of the German Association of Postgraduate Programs with special Relevance to Developing Countries (AGEP), held at the IEE. The meeting fostered new collaborations and outlined visions for the future.

In this edition, you will also find a report from Charis Dabo, who shares her exciting experience during the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) at the Ruhr-University Bochum, highlighting the unique opportunities and personal growth experienced through this program.

Finally, we look at the changes within the IEE’s research landscape. Read about the new thematic research clusters focusing on social policy and inclusion, growth and poverty reduction in open economies, and sustainable energy and food.

We also invite you to explore the new IEE Website, which was recently launched. The redesigned platform aims to provide an enhanced user experience, making it easier to access information about our programs, research and events.

We hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as we enjoyed compiling them. Anyone else interested in the IEE newsletter is welcome to sign up via the following link: https://lists.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/mailman/listinfo/iee-news. From all of us at the IEE, we wish you a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Wilhelm Löwenstein

Please find the newsletter in this PDF file.