Lars Williams

DIIS - Danish Institute for International Studies

DIIS– Danish Institute for International Studies is an independent research institution for international studies, financed primarily by the Danish state. We carry out research and analysis on a wide range of issues within the areas of globalisation, security and development. We participate in national and international debates and academic networks and publish in high-ranking academic journals, always striving to excel in academic scholarship. At the same time, we continuously assess Denmark's foreign and political situation and inform the Danish media, politicians and the public about our work. We have approximately 100 employees, comprising both research and support staff. We have different academic backgrounds, mostly in social studies, international development studies, military studies and anthropology. We contribute to the education of researchers both at home and in developing countries and we employ a number of practitioners from relevant ministries for limited periods of time. These practitioners contribute to our understanding of how our work is used outside academic circles, and this strengthens our ability to bridge the gap between theoretical and applied research. As part of our work as researchers at DIIS we carry out policy-relevant and policy-oriented research within our disciplines. Our research areas are defined on the basis of what we, as researchers, find to be current areas of special interest, and in relation to the surrounding societal and political context. We do basic research, research-based consultancies and commissioned work. Commissioned policy work can be requested by the Danish parliament, its ministries, NGOs and other clients. Our different academic and professional backgrounds, combined with a flexible organisational structure, make it possible for us to adapt smoothly to current trends without losing the continuity necessary for long-term studies, and also enable us to conduct valuable multidisciplinary studies.