Geneva Graduate Forum on International Law
An exclusive invitation-only forum bringing together selected graduate researchers recommended by the Geneva Academy and University of Geneva.
- Invitation Only: participation is strictly by institutional recommendation.
- Expense coverage: limited grants available for Graduate Institute students.
Advancing Scholarship in International Law
The Geneva Graduate Forum is an independent academic institution that organizes highly selective research symposiums for 100-150 graduate students and early-career researchers. Participants are exclusively recommended by prestigious partner institutions, including the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and the University of Geneva.
Our invitation-only forums rotate between locations across Europe and North America. The 2025 forum was held in Geneva, Switzerland, while the 2026 edition location is TBA, with details to be announced to invited participants. Accommodation and travel expenses will be covered for select Graduate Institute students upon application.
The selection process ensures participants represent the highest caliber of emerging scholarship in International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, transitional justice, and related fields. Faculty mentors from partner institutions nominate their most promising graduate researchers.
Institutional recommendations from Geneva Academy & University of Geneva
Limited to 100-150 carefully selected participants
Rotating locations across major academic centers
Previous forum: Geneva, Switzerland (2025) • Participants recommended by Geneva Academy & University of Geneva
Academic Program Highlights
Three days of intensive academic discourse starting with an opening ceremony and welcome dinner
- Participants are selected via partner institution recommendation.
- Location TBA — details shared with registered attendees.
- Opening dinner and networking reception included.
- Expense coverage available for select Graduate Institute students.
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Dinner
Forum introduction and networking reception
Graduate Research Panel I
Emerging issues in international humanitarian law
Workshop: Legal Research Methodologies
Comparative approaches to international law research
Graduate Research Panel II
Human rights law in practice
Roundtable: Future Research Directions
Collaborative research opportunities and academic networking
2025 Geneva Forum Faculty
Distinguished scholars who contributed to our previous forum
Faculty and speakers for the 2026 Forum (location TBA) will be announced soon.
Invitations are currently being extended to leading scholars in the field.
Prof. Dr. Marco Sassòli
Professor of International Law
University of Geneva, Faculty of Law
Dr. Helen Durham
Director of International Law and Policy
International Committee of the Red Cross
Prof. Sandesh Sivakumaran
Professor of Public International Law
University of Nottingham
Dr. Emanuela-Chiara Gillard
Senior Research Fellow
Chatham House International Law Programme
Prof. Dr. Jann Kleffner
Professor of International Humanitarian Law
Swedish Defence University
Our selection committee is currently finalizing the faculty roster for the 2026 forum.
Have You Been Invited?
This exclusive forum operates by invitation only. If you have received an invitation from our organizing committee, please complete your registration below.
Register