One Year, Many Journey- Marking the Close of a Dynamic Academic Year

As the academic year draws to a close, students in the MSc of Public Policy and Human Development (MPP) programme wrapped up an intense and inspiring spring semester filled with field visits, real-world policy challenges, and collaborative learning that defines our community. For this blog, I asked our specialisation coordinators to reflect on the highlights of this academic year. Two students also reflected on their experience joining the NASPAA online simulation.

A Farewell and Tribute: Risk and Vulnerability Specialisation

This year marked the final cohort of the Risk and Vulnerability Specialisation, and it was a moment of reflection and celebration. In her keynote speech at the Academic Year Closing Ceremony, Dr. Valerie Graw paid tribute not only to this year's students but to all those she has taught over the past decade:

"I remember the first time I stood in front of a class. I was in the final year of my PhD, and my supervisor asked me if I would like to teach GIS to master's students in public policy in Maastricht. I agreed, but was nervous someone would ask a question I couldn't answer. And, of course, several did. But something shifted. I realised these questions weren't challenges to my authority but invitations to grow. Curious, probing, and sometimes uncomfortable, this cohort has also asked such questions. You have done exactly what this master's programme is designed to do: learn together and grow together."

Innovation Meets Practice: Governance of Innovation

The Governance of Innovation Specialisation reached new heights this spring thanks to an expanded collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Students explored the economic foundations of intellectual property rights and their relevance to global challenges like climate change and food security.

During the carnival break, students participated in a two-day training at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, gaining insider perspectives on innovation metrics, career paths, and the organisation's day-to-day work.

"Beyond the rich learning experience, the trip doubled as a powerful team-building moment, bringing students closer together and fuelling their motivation to dive deeper into innovation policy," said specialisation coordinator Dr. Fabiana Visentin.

Strengthening Global Ties: Global Governance for Development

Over 20 Global Governance for Development Specialisation students travelled to Brussels to deepen their understanding of global institutions. They visited the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, where representatives from UN agencies explained how they work with the EU to build strong multilateral partnerships.

"Many students were surprised to learn how strongly the UN family is represented in Brussels," said coordinator Dr. Michal Natorski. "They also quickly realised that working in such global governance settings requires mastering professional skills including negotiation, persuasive argumentation, and project management. That is why, throughout the specialisation, we focused on developing those skills. And now, here we are: another cohort ready to work in and for global governance institutions." 

Real-World Engagement: Migration Studies

The Migration Specialisation offered a jam-packed year of learning from local and global perspectives. Students brought a rich mix of personal and cultural insights to the classroom, creating a uniquely international learning environment.

One of the year's standout features was the connection with policymakers and practitioners enrolled in the Migration Management diploma programme, allowing students to learn from and network with experts actively working in the field.

"This interaction added incredible value to the learning experience," noted coordinator Dr. Melissa Siegel, "and helped students build their own international professional networks."

Evidence and Empathy: Social Protection Policy

In February, Social Protection Policy Specialisation students dove head-on into the complex and ever-evolving world of welfare systems. Over the semester, they built microsimulation models to assess how different benefit schemes affect poverty and inequality, explored pension system projections, uncovered fiscal space, and debated policy alternatives through simulation exercises and position papers.

Their learning was both technical, critical, and creative. Alongside lectures and coursework with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), students participated in guest sessions with professionals from the WFP, OECD, and MPP alumni. Many extended their engagement through thesis work in collaboration with the ILO, World Bank, and UNRWA, offering evidence-based insights on urgent global issues.

"In that intense world of spreadsheets, Stata code, policy briefs, and position papers, they still found time to support one another, share laughs, and build the kind of valuable collegial connections that last long after they leave the programme," reflected coordinator Dr. Zina Nimeh. "It's been a privilege to learn with them, work alongside them, and watch them grow."

Bringing Policy to Life: NASPAA Simulation Competition

Next to coursework and the thesis, our students also engage in other activities. One noteworthy event was the 2025 NASPAA online simulation competition. Designed for graduate students, the competition challenges participants worldwide to step into the shoes of policymakers and public administrators, navigating complex crises in real time. "The Simulation broadened my perspective on policymaking, as I realised how different cultural backgrounds perceive different elements of policymaking, and how several fields contribute to shaping effective solutions when addressing complex public policy challenges", reflects current MPP Student Paula Vincente Olaya.

Simulations provide a unique space where leadership, negotiation, and crisis management skills are tested under pressure, and where classroom learning meets real-world decision-making. MPP Student Carlotta Grifò noted: "Being placed in a team with people we did not know meant we had to quickly build a team dynamic and make decisions under pressure, which felt quite realistic… In fact, I recently mentioned the simulation in a job interview. It was a great example of applying what we learned this year in a practical setting, and I really appreciated that aspect."

Closing Remarks

This spring semester wasn't just about academic growth but about building bridges, challenging assumptions, and preparing to make a difference. Across all specialisations, our students learnt what it means to turn public policy into practice. As they embark on new or continued career paths, we wish all our MPPers the best. We cannot wait to see where their paths lead next.