Applied Research

Aurora conducts applied research to advance knowledge and inform practice in international relations, gender and human rights, and global security. Our work bridges academic scholarship with real-world policy impact. Our published work provides evidence-based analysis that informs decision-making for governments, NGOs, and multilateral institutions.

OUR APPLIED RESEARCH SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative research

  • Policy analysis and development of evidence-based recommendations

  • Stakeholder interviews and participatory research methods

  • Desk reviews and landscape analyses

  • Strategic assessments of democracy, governance, and human rights programs

  • Bridging academic research with policy and practice

  • Publishing findings in professional reports, journals, and media outlets

Our REcent Projects

  • Produced a global policy guide on LGBTI inclusion in development and diplomacy, commissioned by an international nonprofit and funded by a European government. Research included stakeholder interviews, desk review, and primary data collection. The final report is now used by diplomats and aid workers worldwide to support LGBTI civil society organizations.

  • Aurora’s applied research spans global democracy, gender, and human rights, producing work that informs both foreign policy and diplomatic practice. Highlights include a widely used international policy guide on LGBTI inclusion, strategic assessments for democracy and electoral programming, and contributions to academic and professional publications. Dr. Rainer’s book, From Pariah To Priority: How LGBTI Rights Became A Pillar Of American And Swedish Foreign Policy (2021) further underscores Aurora’s expertise in translating complex social issues into actionable foreign policy insights.