CIVICA multicampus courses are collaborative programmes, designed and taught jointly by a team of professors from the alliance for masters students. 
We interviewed two LSE students who as a result of their capstone assignments in transnational teams won the prestigious Boroli prize ↓
Ririko Hirase is an investigative journalist currently studying for her Master’s in Media and Communications. She co-authored a policy paper analyzing how political influencers amplify misinformation on social media, fueling polarisation and shaping public opinion.
Pablo Dufour (second from left below) is currently pursuing an MSc in International Relations and holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Heidelberg and Sciences Po Paris. His team's policy paper focused on the EU's Clean Industrial Deal.
Photos ©Bocconi University
Why did you want to come to LSE and why were you motivated to apply to the CIVICA multi-campus course?
Pablo: My interest in studying at LSE stems from its approach of bridging theory and practice. The CIVICA Capstone Project competition offered the perfect opportunity for interinstitutional research collaboration on pressing policy issues in the EU.
Ririko: I am passionate about uncovering the truth and countering propaganda, so I sought an environment where I could refine my theoretical understanding and develop practical strategies to tackle misinformation. Studying at LSE represents a crucial step in expanding my expertise beyond investigative journalism.
What did you work on in your capstone group project?
Pablo: Our policy paper focused on the EU's Clean Industrial Deal. We argue that the EU cannot position itself as a leader in green technology without addressing the pressing challenges of increasing water scarcity, stressing the need for optimised management practices across all economic sectors. While significant legislative progress has been made to ensure water quality through the Water Framework Directive, a robust management framework targeting water quantity and efficiency remains a notable gap.
Ririko: In our capstone group project, we developed a policy paper titled "Building Trust, Curbing Lies: A Digital Badge to Political Misinformation". We proposed the implementation of a Digital Literacy Badge programme aimed at promoting responsible digital behavior among influencers. Our policy suggested collaborative governance involving an independent oversight body and strategic partnerships between the EU and major platforms, ultimately aiming to reinforce accountability, reduce misinformation, and strengthen democratic stability across Europe.
How do you hope this experience will benefit you?
Pablo: I would say that the research collaboration across different higher educational institutions that CIVICA offers is invaluable to international academic cooperation. I personally learned a lot from my teammates, as the convergence of diverse methodological traditions and theoretical perspectives provided a holistic understanding of the matters at hand.
Ririko: This experience has given me valuable insights into how misinformation shapes political discourse and the critical role of policy in mitigating its impact. Working in an international team has also significantly strengthened my cross-cultural collaboration skills and ability to navigate diverse perspectives in problem-solving. I believe these skills will be essential as I continue my work in investigative journalism, policy advocacy, and international organisations.
What is your main takeaway from participating in the CIVICA Multi-campus course?
Pablo: My main takeaway is that Europe is standing at a crossroad, if not a turning point. We are seeing a rules-based world order shift to a power-based disorder and a zero-sum mentality in which interdependence is being weaponized. With these shifting global power structures and the waning of US security commitments, the EU has to decide whether, in times where convergence is giving away to fragmentation, the EU can reinvent itself- as a competitive, cohesive and globally reliable force.
Ririko: The most valuable lesson I gained from this course is that addressing global challenges such as misinformation requires both interdisciplinary and international collaboration. By integrating perspectives from political science, media studies, and economics, I learned how diverse approaches can create more comprehensive and impactful policy solutions.
Do you have any advice for people who are thinking about applying but aren’t sure?
Pablo: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!
Ririko: If you have an interest in policy, media, or international affairs, I highly encourage you to apply. This course offers a rare opportunity to collaborate with students from top European universities, receive academic and professional guidance, and work on real-world challenges. Even if you don’t have prior expertise in policy analysis, the programme provides a supportive environment where participants from diverse backgrounds can learn and contribute meaningfully.
Why should future students take part in this opportunity?
Pablo: Gaining experience in writing a policy paper is highly beneficial. Through the CIVICA multicampus course, you not only deepen your understanding of EU policies but also have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in crafting a policy paper.
Ririko: This programme offers a unique opportunity to engage with pressing social challenges from an international perspective. Students will develop essential analytical, research, and teamwork skills that are crucial for both academic and professional growth. For those interested in policy, democracy, or digital governance, this is a valuable experience that can shape both career prospects and personal development.
What are you excited about going forward?
Pablo: Looking ahead, I'm thrilled about the forthcoming publication with Oxford University Press of my book based on my research at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law (MPIL) which focuses on Hugo Grotius' De iure belli ac pacis.
Ririko: I am excited to continue my work combating misinformation and propaganda, particularly in conflict zones where disinformation is used to manipulate public perception. I look forward to applying the insights gained from LSE and CIVICA to drive meaningful impact.
For an overview of all the opportunities to engage with CIVICA, check the rest of our webpages here.