ICC Institute Prize: Top 3 Thesis Reasons

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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ICC Institute Prize: Top 3 Thesis Reasons Why I Almost Gave Up (But Didn't!)

So, you're aiming for the ICC Institute Prize? That's awesome! Seriously, it's a huge deal. I remember when I was going for it – man, the pressure was intense. Let me tell you, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. In fact, there were times I wanted to chuck my entire thesis in the trash. But I didn't, and I'm here to share what kept me going, and maybe, just maybe, help you avoid some of my epic fails.

1. A Killer Research Question: It's Not Just About the Topic, It's About the Why

This is where so many people stumble. Picking a topic is the easy part. The hard part? Formulating a research question that's both original and significant. My first attempt? A complete disaster. I chose a broad topic – international criminal law – thinking, "It's important, right?" Wrong. My supervisor practically had a heart attack. He was like, "Dude, that's way too broad. You need a focused question."

Lesson learned: Your research question needs to be laser-focused. It should fill a gap in existing scholarship; there needs to be a "why" behind it. Think about the practical implications of your research. How will your findings impact the field of international criminal law? This is where I messed up big time. I had to totally revamp my project, starting with a much more targeted and innovative research question. This took months, but it was totally worth it.

Pro Tip: Spend a lot of time on this stage. Talk to your supervisor constantly. Read, read, READ. Look at past ICC Institute Prize winners – what made their research questions so compelling?

2. Methodology Matters: More Than Just a Fancy Word

Your methodology isn't just some academic formality; it's the backbone of your entire thesis. I initially tried using a purely theoretical approach. Sounds impressive, right? Wrong again. My supervisor pointed out that while theory is important, a strong methodology needs to incorporate a compelling empirical component. Meaning, I needed data, analysis – not just abstract ideas.

Brutal honesty moment: I almost cried. Reworking my methodology was a nightmare. It felt like starting from scratch. But this time, I focused on a rigorous and appropriate methodology, one that convincingly addressed my research question.

Pro Tip: Choose a methodology that's appropriate for your research question. Do your research! Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Don't just pick the fanciest-sounding one; it needs to be fit for purpose. Consult your supervisor!

3. Writing Clearly and Concisely: Because No One Wants to Read a Novel

This was my final hurdle. I'm a fairly decent writer, but I was struggling to synthesize all my research into a coherent narrative. My first draft? A rambling, incoherent mess. It was like reading a bad novel. It was awful. It sucked!

What saved me? Breaking down the writing process into manageable chunks. I focused on one chapter at a time, aiming for clarity and conciseness. I also got feedback from friends and fellow students. Their comments were invaluable.

Pro Tip: Get feedback early and often. Don't wait until the last minute. You need time to revise and refine your work. Remember, the clarity of your writing is crucial. The judges aren't going to be impressed by your complicated vocabulary if they can't even understand your points!

The ICC Institute Prize is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Remember to plan carefully, choose a strong research question, and prioritize clear communication. And for goodness sake, get feedback early and often! Good luck! You got this.