Do your residency with us!

 Location: Colima, Mexico
Residency Duration: August 1 2025 - December 15, 2025
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

About LAPSO:
The Laboratory for Peace and Social Justice (LAPSO) is a pioneering organization in Colima, Mexico, dedicated to using research and scientific knowledge to drive community-led initiatives for peace. We work in close collaboration with local leaders, activists, and renowned academic institutions worldwide, such as Stanford University, to explore and implement solutions for violence reduction, conflict resolution, and social justice.

Residency Overview:
LAPSO invites professionals with a demonstrated commitment to studying violence, social justice, and conflict resolution to apply for a research residency. This residency offers an immersive experience to develop community-oriented research with tangible impacts in Colima, recognized as one of the world’s most affected regions by violence.

Your Role and Responsibilities:
Residents are expected to design and implement a comprehensive research proposal focusing on violence, conflict resolution, and peace-building for the Colima community. We encourage proposals that seek to strengthen community capacity for collective action as well as proposals that integrate or expand on our existing project "Citizen Observatory for Peace", which you can find in our projects page. 

 The proposal should detail:

• Research Question(s): Outline the key questions you aim to explore related to violence and conflict resolution.
• Methodology: Describe the specific research methods you plan to utilize (qualitative, quantitative, participatory research, etc.).
• Expected Deliverables: Identify tangible, community-focused outputs your research will produce to benefit Colima’s residents directly.

Residents are encouraged to develop projects that can lead to actionable outcomes, from policy recommendations and educational workshops to community resources and awareness campaigns.

What LAPSO Offers:

• Access to a Supportive Community: Join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of young scholars, activists, and community organizers committed to transforming scientific knowledge into actionable steps for peace.
• Network Connections: Connect with local and international networks, including alliances with grassroots peacebuilders in Colima and international institutions like Stanford University.

Additional Details:

• This is a non-remunerated residency requiring a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week.
• Spanish proficiency is mandatory due to the nature of the community-focused work.
• LAPSO can offer guidance for the visa process but cannot cover associated expenses.

Applicant Profile:
We welcome applications from individuals with a strong commitment to social justice, particularly those with experience in conflict studies, community-based research, or creative activism, including:

• Graduate students in related fields (e.g., social sciences, anthropology, public policy)
• Journalists specializing in social issues
• Multimedia artists focused on documentary, visual storytelling, or community art projects

Application Process:
Submit your letter of interest and CV via this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCTnazj3m7_odXvx8ZYGI7CdqwzJ2I3UPBolGqBYBOMB9srg/viewform?usp=sf_link In your letter, describe your motivation for applying, proposed research topic, and a preliminary outline of your methodology and community impact goals.

Don’t miss this unique chance to contribute to meaningful, locally grounded work in the heart of Colima!