The work for this project was divided across 7 Work packages (WPs). WP1 involved covered data collection. This involved archival research, interviews with over 30 individuals, the consultation of personal collections given to me by interviewees, as well as work with secondary sources and published materials.
WP2, 3 and 4 focused on the research objectives: understanding the conditions that shaped the internationalisation of Amnesty (WP1), comparing these conditions in different parts of the world to understand how the uneven geography of Amnesty International shaped its understanding of human rights (WP2), and the generation of novel concepts and outputs for use in research, teaching, and policy for the understanding of international NGOs and activist networks, North-South cooperation and collaboration, and international human rights (WP3). These WPs all drew on the data collection conducted in WP1. Across these WPs the fellow delivered three refereed journal articles, one book proposal (with a manuscript in progress), five conference papers, seven lectures or workshop presentations, and one international scientific conference. There are also two forthcoming conference papers and one forthcoming conference panel.
WP5 focused on training, skills and knowledge transfer. This involved the acquisition of new skills on the part of the researcher, and the transfer of knowledge to the host. A wide range of skills were gained, enhancing the researcher’s potential both in the scientific field as well as in affiliated fields, particularly the NGO and civil society field. An expansion of scientific knowledge occurred via the research project itself, as well as through training courses, while enhanced personal effectiveness, improved research governance and organisational skills, and skills in engagement and impact were achieved through targeted training courses and through the management of the project. Transfer of knowledge to the host also took multiple forms. Academic knowledge was transferred through guest lectures in undergraduate and MA courses, and through supervision of MA theses. Administrative and organisational knowledge was transferred through a workshop on the internationalisation of the curriculum, and through training several PhD researchers in organising a conference, showing them through the various steps from putting together a call for papers and distributing it, to selection, contacting participants, and managing the logistics of the event itself. ToK also took the form of connecting the host research group to the researcher’s broader network, via organising a research seminar series wherein invited speakers came to discuss their work with the group.
WP6 focuses on dissemination, exploitation and communication of results. In addition to the scholarly and policy outputs mentioned above and below, special emphasis was placed on engagement with and dissemination within the broader public. This took the form of articles in magazines and lectures for diverse publics, such as for example a lecturer on human rights for school children as part of the Kinderuniversiteit (Children’s University) event.
WP7 covered the management of the project. This was done in conjunction with the project supervisor, as well as with the help of the support staff from the host. As a major EU funded project, the management WP greatly contributed to the development of new skills and enhanced the career potential of the researcher.
