Our Approach
The Kroc IPJ partners with community organizations, governments, researchers, and practitioners to develop evidence-based, justice-centered solutions to complex peacebuilding challenges. Our work is grounded in collaboration, rigorous scholarship, and a commitment to translating knowledge into meaningful action.
We integrate teaching, research, and practice so that each strengthens the others. Partnerships with practitioners and communities generate new questions and insights; research informs teaching and decision-making; and students apply their learning through collaborative projects alongside faculty, staff, and external partners. By connecting inquiry, education, and practice, the Kroc IPJ produces useful knowledge, enriches student learning, and strengthens peacebuilding efforts.
Pillars
Accelerating Applied Research
We conduct interdisciplinary, partner-driven research that addresses real-world peace and justice challenges. By embedding reciprocity throughout the research process—from co-design to dissemination—we produce knowledge that informs scholarship, policy, public debate, and practice.
Advancing Peace Practice
We translate research into action by working alongside communities, governments, and civil society organizations to strengthen peacebuilding efforts. Through applied partnerships, student engagement, and innovative initiatives, we help turn evidence into practical solutions.
Assessing Impact
We evaluate what works—and why. Through rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning, we measure the effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives, strengthen accountability, and generate evidence that improves future policy and practice.
Our Story
The Kroc IPJ was established in 2001 with a vision of active peacebuilding: bringing people working to prevent violence and transform conflict into closer relationship with the knowledge, resources, and convening power of a university. In 2007, the IPJ became part of the newly established Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, deepening its connection to teaching and student learning. Over the following two decades, the Institute built partnerships locally and globally through initiatives in women, peace and security, cross-border peacebuilding, violence prevention, applied research and evaluation, student fellowships, and public convenings.
Building on this legacy, we bring together students, faculty, practitioners, and partners to address peace and justice challenges through applied research, education, and practice. While our programs continue to evolve, our purpose remains constant: learning from practice, strengthening the people and institutions working for peace, and translating evidence into practical action.
Who We Are
The Kroc School and Kroc IPJ bring together students, faculty, staff, researchers, practitioners, and community partners committed to advancing peace through rigorous research, applied practice, and systems change.