Students Present Research in Pardee’s First Public Defense Forum
On April 16 and 17, the Pardee School of Global Studies hosted the 2026 Defense Forum where students for the first time ever presented their research in a conference-style format. Departing from the traditional closed-door setup, students publicly defended their work before faculty advisors and an additional reviewer, with peers and supporters in the audience.
A total of 30 undergraduate and graduate students defended their theses, addressing key global issues, including the migrant crisis, eco-nationalism, and racial profiling. Each presentation was followed by feedback from faculty advisors and reviewers, and a Q&A session, encouraging open dialogue and discussion.
Beyond serving as an evaluation mechanism, this event was designed to be an inclusive, dynamic, and holistic academic experience that highlights student research in a broader intellectual community. By shifting away from high-pressure private examinations, the conference-style format created a celebratory and interactive environment for both students and faculty. With free flow of intellectual exchange and collaboration, students had a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other’s work while enabling transparency and consistency, ensuring a fair evaluation approach.
The forum also provided valuable professional development opportunities. By presenting in a public setting, students gained experience in articulating their research clearly, responding to questions, and engaging with a broader audience, skills essential for real-world academic and professional contexts.
The Defense Forum was the result of a collaborative effort among staff and faculty, including Lauren Thams, Academic Affairs Administrator; Claire-Solène Bečka, Undergraduate Academic Advisor; Sanne Verschuren, Assistant Professor of International Security; Kaija Schilde, Associate Dean of Studies; and Tim Longman, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
In developing the initiative, the group identified several limitations in the traditional defense model, including inconsistent scheduling, limited transparency, and significant logistical challenges. Through a series of discussions, they proposed a conference-style format aimed at enhancing both the student and faculty experience. After approval as a pilot program, Thams and Bečka played key roles in organizing and executing the two-day event.
The 2026 Defense Forum represents a significant milestone in Pardee’s academic evolution. It underscores the power of collaboration between staff and faculty and reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful, supportive, and forward-looking academic experiences for students.