Cambridge University
Research Association for Peace
Cambridge University Research Association for Peace was founded as the university’s first student-led issue-specific think tank by Sienna James in 2022. It is especially concerned with reconciliation, peace, democracy and the nature of discourse in the UK.CURAP aims to facilitate innovative ideas, research and outreach from a multi-disciplinary perspective to enable Cambridge to become a thought leader in reconciliation efforts.Due to personnel turnover, we are unlikely to be offering a research paper this year, but rather focusing on raising awareness of the society and running several relevant events. However, anyone interested in actively contributing either as a researcher or an editor or both is welcome to get in touch to discuss this.We are recruiting for our next committee! Visit the apply now page for more details and information on how to apply. We aim to bring together students engaged in these issues from various backgrounds and disciplines, so if you have an unusual angle, or non-standard degree background, please be encouraged to get in touch regardless.
Speaking Different Languages
Our 2022/3 research project focussed on political polarisation experienced in university settings. The year-long project culminated in the essay collection: 'Speaking Different Languages: The Weaponisation of Political Labels within UK Universities.'To read the essay collection, click below.
Apply to be part of the team!
CURAP is now welcoming applications for committee members and contributors! We want to hear from people who are curious, enthusiastic and motivated.We are looking for Events Officers, Publicity Officers and Editors to organise panel discussions and produce an end-of-year anthology.APPLY HEREWant to find out more? Email Siân : sagm3@cam.ac.uk
Our Vision and Mission
CURAP is dedicated to providing exceptional research around peace-making and reconciliation. Communication across differences, hard conversations and thoughtful dialogue are necessary to foster flourishing communities.CURAP intends to provide a platform for Cambridge University students to showcase their excellent research abilities whilst investigating issues facing divided communities. United by a desire to create sustainable solutions to division and conflict, the team seeks to be flexible to meet the needs of different student cohorts.CURAP is guided by four principles: Thoughtful Dialogue, Identifying Gaps, Valuing Experiences and Academic Excellence.The research group will investigate issues surrounding breakdowns in communications, conflict and division. Of particular interest is causes of conflict and potential solutions between historically divided groups, be that social, cultural, political or religious.These objectives are key in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
Guiding Principles
CURAP is guided by four key principles.Thoughtful DialogueThoughtful dialogue is pivotal to reaching a deeper understanding of why and how conflict emerges between groups of people. Difficult conversations, including those pursuing research agendas, should be undertaken with care..Identifying GapsThere are multiple perspectives through which to approach peace-making and a great many areas on which CURAP could focus. CURAP aims to identify both gaps in academic research and areas which aren’t being talked about enough within the political dialogue and the media. This informs and motivates the annual research focus.Valuing ExperiencesThe research areas focussed on at CURAP affect real people across the world and sensitivity is crucial in navigating these topics. The experiences of people affected by social division should be valued. Valuing experiences looks like acknowledging the reality of current divisions where appropriate and confronting difficult topics in order to assess the possibilities of reconciled futures.Academic ExcellenceThe student committee is motivated by providing insightful research guided and influenced by the above principles.CURAP is also guided by the research ethics outlined by the American Anthropological Association as a framework for exceptional research practice.
Find out more
Anyone interested in taking a lead in running the next project is welcome to contact us here whilst we await future developments.If you have questions about our work, want to find a way to get involved or want to partner in future projects, please email Sian at sagm3@cam.ac.uk.
Appendix
To find out more about the research process behind CURAP's essay collection, Speaking Different Languages: The Weaponisation of Political Labels on UK University Campuses, view our appendix below.