Martin Institute

Group portrait of Martin Students who will be traveling to the Model United Nations Conference

Understanding conflict. Advancing peace. Promoting international cooperation.

Since 1979, the Martin Institute has pursued the vision of founders Boyd and Grace Martin: to promote deeper understanding of the causes of war, the conditions necessary for peace and the many avenues of international engagement.

Through partnerships, academic programs, global simulations and expert-led workshops, the institute equips students to become engaged global citizens, skilled researchers and future leaders in international affairs.

Academic leadership

The Martin Institute supports the International Studies B.A., International Studies B.S. and minor through the School of Global Studies. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers in diplomacy, international development, law, global health and more.

Students benefit from:

Small cohort-style seminars
National Model United Nations (NMUN) participation
Scholarships for required study abroad
Courses led by visiting diplomats and alumni experts
Unique opportunities like the Togo Summer Experience

National Model United Nations (NMUN)

Each year, the Martin Institute sponsors a student delegation to the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City — the world's largest and most prestigious simulation of the United Nations.

Students selected for the NMUN delegation engage in an intensive preparation process, including semester-long coursework in research, negotiation and policy writing. Delegates research assigned countries, draft position papers on global issues and develop strong diplomatic skills through committee simulations.

At the conference, students:

Represent assigned countries on major global issues
Research and present policy position papers
Engage with high-level diplomats at the United Nations Headquarters
Hone critical skills in leadership, negotiation, public speaking and international collaboration

The institute also recognizes outstanding student contributions through the Rand C. Lewis Award for Excellence in Position Paper Writing, awarded annually to honor top performers in research and diplomacy.

Expert-led workshops

U.S. Ambassador-led series

As part of the Visiting Distinguished Practitioner of International Affairs series, the Martin Institute hosts former U.S. ambassadors to lead workshops on diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy and regional affairs. Past sessions have included:

U.S. Diplomacy in South Asia – Ambassador Nancy J. Powell
American Diplomacy in Africa – Ambassador Robert Jackson
Diplomacy in the Middle East – Ambassador Maura Connelly

Alumni-led workshops

Alumni working in law, global health, international banking and humanitarian sectors return to campus to lead 15-hour applied learning sessions. These offer students direct insights into real-world global challenges and career pathways.

Beyond the classroom

The Martin Institute fosters opportunities for students to:

Conduct research with faculty mentors
Present at the Martin Forums lecture series on international issues
Attend regional and global conferences
Compete for international fellowships and Peace Corps placements

Alumni of the international studies program have served in the Peace Corps in more than 30 countries, gone on to top graduate programs, and built careers in NGOs, diplomacy, public service and academia.

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Research and publications

Martin Scholars Program

There are two ways to participate. First, juniors can apply to be funded researchers during their senior year, working in teams on major global issues under faculty mentorship. Research topics have included:

Urban sustainability
Global public health
Tech regulations and law

Second, students from other universities can partner with Martin Institute faculty to produce policy papers on distinct topics. Inquiries should be directed to martin@uidaho.edu; no funding is available for this group of scholars.

Both types of Martin Scholars can submit their work for possible publication in the Journal of the Martin Institute.

Outreach and community engagement

Martin Forums

Since 1999, the Martin Institute has hosted public lectures on topics ranging from human rights to peacebuilding, featuring global experts and scholars.

Distinction in International Service Award (DISA)

DISA honors Pacific Northwest-based NGOs making outstanding international contributions, such as PeaceTrees Vietnam and StoveTeam International.

Student life: The Club Coalition

The Martin Institute supports:

International Affairs Club (IAC): Explore current international issues and careers
Oxfam America Club: Campaign on global poverty, hunger and injustice

Partnerships

The Martin Institute collaborates closely with:

Program in International Studies (School of Global Studies)
The Borah Foundation and Symposium
The James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research

These partnerships strengthen teaching, research and engagement opportunities for students and faculty.

Frerick Shema international studies student and ugandan refugee featured for innovation month

Our legacy: Boyd and Grace Martin

Determined to address the causes of war and the conditions necessary for lasting peace, the Martins invested their life savings with the dream of one day founding a place for serious inquiry into international affairs.

Founded through the bold vision of Boyd and Grace Martin, the Institute grew from an $800 investment — set aside during the earliest days of World War II — into a nationally recognized center for global education, diplomacy and peace studies. Boyd Martin, a University of Idaho alumnus and respected scholar, returned to serve as a professor, head of political science, and later as dean of the College of Letters and Science, shaping generations of students. In 1979, the Martins’ long-held dream to affect peace became reality with the founding of the Martin Institute, where research, education and outreach continue to embody their ideals.

Their commitment to fostering dialogue, promoting peace, and preparing global citizens remains central to the Martin Institute's mission today.

Advisory Board members

A.L. Alford Jr.
Publisher, Lewiston Morning Tribune

Kimberly Castelin
Economist, Internal Revenue Service

Karlee Charlton
Director Food Safety Content, FoodChain ID

Steven Daley-Laursen
Professor emeritus, University of Idaho Society and Natural Resources

Michael Dawson
Senior manager, information security at Internews

Rob Gage
Physician

Ian Grant
Corporate counsel at Xevo Inc.

Makena Kraft
Charge Nurse and PhD in Nursing Candidate

Garrett Lamm
Director of Community Partnerships, City of Boise

Jacob Parker
Senior Policy Advisor for Tax and Trade, US Senate

Taylor Reed
ISSB Technical Staff, IFRS Foundation

Sharon Scott
Retired program advisor, Martin Institute, University of Idaho

George Simmons
Retired dean, Seattle University

Gary Stubblefield
President, Vantage Systems Inc.

Michael Wasko
Attorney, Nezperce, Idaho

Lisa Carlson, Ray Dacey, Joel Hamilton, Morris Krigbaum and Richard Slaughter are emeritus members of the advisory board.

Distinguished supporters

The Martin Institute is strengthened by its network of distinguished alumni, faculty, donors and friends who have championed its mission over the decades. Hall of Fame alumni and major donors continue to drive our vision forward.

Have questions?

We’re here to help you connect, collaborate and explore opportunities with the Martin Institute.

Contact information:

Email: martin@uidaho.edu
Phone: 208-885-6527
Physical Address: 338 Administration Building
Mailing Address: Martin Institute, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3177, Moscow, ID 83844-3177