An agreement between the Global Water Security Center at The University of Alabama and the United States Department of State enables faculty, staff and students to engage in collaborative research and data analysis focused on global conflict response.

The Academic Centers of Conflict Anticipation and Prevention, or ACCAP, initiative allows faculty, staff and students at participating institutions, known as ACCAP scholars, an opportunity to work on real-world requirements at the unclassified level to help address existing and emerging conflicts.

“We are excited to enter this partnership with the Department of State and to provide members of The University of Alabama community an opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience addressing global conflict response,” said Mike Gremillion, director of the Global Water Security Center. “In particular, the connections and skills students gain from the initiative will prove invaluable as they enter the workforce, whether in government or private sector.”

ACCAP scholars will work directly with staff from across the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations regional and thematic offices and occasionally participate in briefings and other select opportunities to inform U.S. policymakers in the department and across the U.S. government interagency.

The center will work with faculty across campus to integrate ACCAP opportunities into existing courses and independent study projects for students. Faculty and staff members working with the center will also have opportunities to participate.

Other institutions participating in the initiative are:

• University of Notre Dame, Keough School of Global Affairs
• Florida International University, Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs
• George Mason University, Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
• Georgetown University, Institute for Women, Peace, and Security
• University of Utah, International and Area Studies
• University of California, Berkeley, Institute of International Studies.

To read more news about The University of Alabama, visit the UA News site.