The Virtual Institute organizes professional development workshops for its members on trade and development issues covered by Vi teaching materials, or on issues specifically requested by the universities. These workshops are organized on an inter-regional or regional basis, or nationally in the interested countries.

During Vi inter-regional and regional workshops, participants not only acquire knowledge of a particular topic, but also strengthen research skills and learn how to communicate research results to non-specialists. Round-table dialogues between researchers and policymakers which are part of these workshops help build trust between the two groups as well as establish contacts and potential working relationships. The aim is for researchers to become more policy relevant and for policymakers to source research inputs in their own countries.

• List of Vi regional and inter-regional workshops
• List of Vi national workshops

The possibility to hold professional development workshops depends on the availability of funds from donors or member universities.

Materials from recent Vi workshops are available in the Resources section of the website.