The International Public Policy Association (IPPA), in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is inviting applications for the International Winter School on Public Policy – Doha Edition 2027. The five-day programme will bring together PhD students and early-career researchers interested in advancing their knowledge of public policy theories, concepts and research methodologies.
The Winter School will take place from 17 to 21 January 2027 in Doha, Qatar, providing participants with opportunities to engage with international public policy scholars, discuss their research and receive feedback from peers and experienced academics.
Deadline to Apply
The application deadline is 10 December 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to complete the application process before the deadline and carefully review the official programme information regarding eligibility, fees and required application materials.
Who Can Apply?
The Winter School is particularly designed for PhD students and early-career researchers working in public policy and related areas.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of public policy approaches, concepts and theories while receiving feedback on their own research projects. The programme is therefore particularly relevant to doctoral researchers and emerging scholars who want to strengthen their research and analytical skills.
Winter School Dates and Location
Programme: International Winter School on Public Policy – Doha Edition 2027
Dates: 17–21 January 2027
Location: Doha, Qatar
Application deadline: 10 December 2026
Organisers: International Public Policy Association and Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Duration: Five days
What Does the Winter School Offer?
The five-day programme combines lectures, specialised courses and interactive workshops designed to create an engaging academic environment.
Participants can expect:
- Lectures delivered by international scholars specialising in public policy.
- A specialised course addressing a particular public policy issue.
- Workshop sessions conducted in groups.
- Opportunities to present and discuss research projects.
- Peer feedback from other participants.
- Academic feedback from professors and public policy scholars.
- Case-study activities designed to connect theoretical knowledge with practical research questions.
The combination of lectures and interactive sessions allows participants not only to learn about established public policy theories and methodologies but also to apply these perspectives to their own research.
Academic and Research Opportunities
A key feature of the Winter School is its focus on participants’ ongoing research. During workshop sessions, students can have their work discussed by peers and professors, creating an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and consider different approaches to their research questions.
The programme can therefore be valuable for PhD researchers seeking to refine their research design, strengthen their theoretical framework or obtain perspectives from scholars and fellow researchers working in related fields.
Course and Workshop Activities
The programme includes courses led by international public policy scholars. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with different approaches to public policy, including theories, concepts and methodological perspectives.
Workshop sessions provide a more interactive component, allowing participants to work together in groups. Depending on the session, participants may present their research for discussion or engage in case studies with their peers and professors.
Why Attend the Doha Winter School?
The International Winter School provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to combine academic learning, research presentation and international networking in a concentrated five-day programme.
For PhD students and early-career researchers, participation can provide exposure to established scholars and different perspectives on public policy research. Feedback received during the workshops may also help participants strengthen their ongoing research projects.
The programme’s international setting in Doha, Qatar, additionally provides an opportunity for researchers to engage with an academic community beyond their home institutions.
How to Successfully Apply
Applicants should ensure that they carefully review the official application instructions before submitting their application. Their application should clearly demonstrate their academic and research interest in public policy and explain how participation in the Winter School could contribute to their research development.
PhD students should be prepared to articulate their research topic clearly and identify the areas where academic discussion or feedback would be particularly valuable.
Applicants should also check the official information on programme fees, application requirements and available courses before completing their submission.
Application Information
Applications for the International Winter School on Public Policy – Doha Edition 2027 are open until 10 December 2026.
The programme will be held from 17–21 January 2027 in Doha, Qatar and is co-organised by the International Public Policy Association and Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
Interested applicants should use the official IPPA application process and consult the programme’s official pages for the latest information.
