Program on Human Rights and Justice (PHRJ)

Established in late 2000, the Program aims to create a cutting-edge inter-disciplinary environment for research, teaching, curricular development and real-world application in human rights, especially relating to the global economy and science and technology. It is the first human rights program in a leading technology school and the first in the world with a specific focus on the human rights aspects of economic, scientific and technological developments. Cross-cultural dimensions of human welfare, security and dignity will animate all the activities of the Program.

The Program is an inter-disciplinary joint program between DUSP and the Center for International Studies at MIT. The thrust of the program is on research, teaching and application in the area of human rights, especially relating to the global economy and science & technology. In the field of international development and planning, human rights has come to play a major role, and the Program aims to cater to that interest and a campus-wide interest in human rights issues.

The Program sponsors many activities including panels, a speaker series, conferences and a student internship program, and will host visiting scholars and activists. DUSP students have been involved in setting up the Program and will participate in several research and program activities.