Questions

What does IHDP stand for?

What does IHDP do?

Why is it important to do research on the social dimensions of global environmental change?

What are the main research areas of IHDP?

Who is part of the “IHDP Network”?

Where can I review activities, outcomes and publications?

Who are IHDP’s institutional sponsors?

What is IHDP’s relationship with the United Nations?

How is IHDP financed?

Does IHDP financially support or endorse other human dimensions events?

Can I do an internship at IHDP?

What job opportunities exist?

How can I contact IHDP?

Answers

1. What does IHDP stand for?

The International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change.

2. What does IHDP do?

The IHDP interdisciplinary research programme was established in 1996 to address critical gaps in international research related to global environmental change. We provide global leadership for social science research on the human and societal aspects of environmental change. Our focus lies on conducting research, providing education and training and bridging science with policy you can find out more about our work in these areas in the activities section of our website.

3. Why is it important to do research on the social dimensions of global environmental change?

Scientists across all disciplines share great concern that our planet is in the process of crossing dangerous tipping points or boundaries. While biophysical aspects of the problem have been studied extensively, the human dimensions – equally important – have been severely under addressed. It is IHDP’s role to foster research on issues such as equality, governance, political economy, globalization, social, and cultural transition. Through this, IHDP contributes to finding solutions to the most pressing environmental problems humanity is facing today.

Based on the results of a large-scale global survey among 1,276 scholars from the social sciences and humanities. The survey was conducted in 2011 by the IHDP Secretariat (UNU-IHDP) in collaboration with UNESCO and the International Social Science Council (ISSC) and was funded by the Packard Foundation.

4. What are the main research areas of IHDP?

The International Human Dimension Programme currently coordinates 9 research projects and focuses on the following issues.

5. Who is part of the “IHDP Network”?

One of our core strengths is an established network of scientists, research institutions and political entities. Links to all relevant sections (projects, national committees, sponsors, partner networks, ESSP partners…)

6. Where can I review activities, outcomes and publications?

We post recent publications and activities on our website. Please take a look at the “Human Dimensions Blog” for latest discussion, the “Community” section to learn about project activities, opportunities and upcoming conferences and workshops and “Library” for publications.

For a good overview of IHDP activities from previous years, visit our Annual Reports section. In order to receive the latest news from IHDP and its network, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter The Networker or our individual project’s newsletters.

In addition, our core and joint projects have individual websites with more detailed information. The respective links can be found on the project pages.

7. Who are IHDP’s institutional sponsors?

IHDP has three Institutional Sponsors, the International Council for Science (ICSU), International Social Science Council (ISSC), and the United Nations University (UNU), which guide the overall development of the programme. Together, they select the Chair of IHDP’s Scientific Committee, the Executive Director, and conduct performance reviews.

8. What is IHDP’s relationship with the United Nations?

In 2007 the United Nations University Vice Rectorate in Europe (UNU-ViE) became IHDP’s third institutional sponsor. Since then, our Secretariat has been hosted by UNU-ViE at the UN Campus in Bonn and has become part of the UNU family. The IHDP Secretariat also works closely with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNESCO and other UN entities.

9. How is IHDP financed?

IHDP receives funding from national and international donors, e.g. the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). In 2011, IHDP’s annual budget amounted to ca. EUR 1.000.000.

10. Does IHDP financially support or endorse other human dimensions events?

There are limited possibilities for funding since IHDP generally is not a funding institution. To inquire about funding opportunities please send an email to the Executive Director Prof. Anantha Duraiappah. Be sure to provide detailed background information on your organization and event and make clear why you ask for funding from IHDP. If you would like IHDP to endorse your human dimensions event, please also send us an email () with detailed information on the event and links to IHDP.

11. Can I do an internship at IHDP?

We have internship openings year-round. An internship at IHDP will provide students with professional experience in an international scientific organization and provides insights into latest environmental change research findings and policymaking. Depending on qualifications and interests, interns can apply for a position within different departments. Internships last at least two months and are not remunerated.

Interns must be enrolled at a graduate institution or currently pursuing their PhD. The latest positions offered can be found in the vacancies sections of our website.

For internships at the research project offices, please contact the respective project office directly.

Find out more about internships here.

12. What job opportunities exist?

The IHDP Secretariat recruits specialists from various disciplines on a periodic basis. For current vacancies please refer to the vacancies section on the website. There you will also find job openings from within our network.

13. How can I contact IHDP?

You may email, call or mail us at:

Secretariat of the International Human Dimensions Programme (UNU-IHDP)

United Nations University

Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 10

53113 Bonn, Germany

Phone: +49 (0)228 815 0600

Fax: +49 (0)228 815 0620

Email: