Q. What type of projects are the CPP looking for?
The CPP is a research centre, which draws upon the expertise of graduate doctoral researchers, masters students, and Faculty experts, to produce reports in the areas of public international law, criminal law, human rights, public law, or on any matter of public interest. Most commonly we assist NGOs across the globe with research into novel legal issues, or into subjects that are of particular interest to the work of the organisation.
We are not a legal clinic and therefore cannot provide advice or advocate on behalf of clients. On occasion, the CPP has provided research reports to barristers and courts related to prospective or current cases.
Q. What needs to be in the proposal?
We do not require project proposals to be submitted in a particular form. We are happy to receive proposals written in the body of emails or as a separate document.
Proposals are generally around one page in length. However, depending on the nature of the proposed project, proposals can be up to three pages. They usually contain a background which provides an overview of the project and any important contextual information, the key questions or areas of research that an organisation is seeking to research, and an indication of the relevant deadline for the completion of the report.
In terms of scope, the CPP usually begins working on projects at the start of the academic year in October and will complete reports by April the following year. This is to avoid conflicts with student exams. Project managers from the CPP will happily discuss the scope of a proposed project with an organisation to ensure the report can be completed within this timeframe. There is also discretion and scope for the CPP to undertake longer projects.
Q. What is the CPP’s process for choosing projects, and what happens after a project is chosen?
Once proposals are received by the relevant deadline, the CPP Executive Committee will evaluate the projects and the resources that will be available to us over the academic year. Generally, we will accept at least six projects per year.
Once the Executive Committee has chosen the relevant projects, these are approved by our Faculty Advisors. We then begin the recruitment process for our project managers who will lead the research work. This process usually takes around four weeks.
Q. Where do we go if we have questions?
If you have any questions on the above, or would like to talk about your proposed project, do not hesitate to get into contact with us via email at cpp@law.cam.ac.uk
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