The Research on International Policy Implementation Lab (RIPIL) is an affiliate of Bridging the Gap and is based at American University. Founded in 2020, RIPIL investigates pressing topics in international peace, security, development, and humanitarian response with the aim of translating scholarly research into real policy solutions.

At RIPIL we understand that effective international policy requires the integration of evidence from the local to the global level. We also understand that policymakers and practitioners working in uncertain environments must regularly adapt policy and practice to the evolving needs of communities, civil society, governments, and intergovernmental institutions. Finally, we believe that co-creation, or “the joint production of innovation between combinations of industry, research, government and civil society,” can help us to design and conduct more relevant and impactful research.

With these principles in mind, our model of co-creation centers on building partnerships with policymakers and practitioners to: identify important research questions, conduct rigorous research on these questions, and engage partners throughout the research process.

By building space for research co-creation, learning, and evidence-informed decision-making, RIPIL helps to ensure that its research contributes to scholarly knowledge and improved policy and practice.