Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School

The Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of the Université Senghor announces the call for applications for its doctoral program in African Development. The program aims to contribute to the development of Africa through innovative, interdisciplinary research.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be no more than 40 years old at the time of application for a thesis grant from the Université Senghor. There is no age limit for candidates who do not apply for the grant and can finance their thesis through a public or private institution or by themselves. In this case, candidates must present a financing plan for the first year of the thesis (estimated at 3000/year for registration and attendance at the doctoral training in Alexandria for 3 months). The plan should include details on how they intend to cover living expenses, research costs, and any other relevant expenditures.
• Be a national of a French-speaking African country or Haiti and reside mainly in French-speaking Africa or Haiti.
• Hold a Master's degree (M2 level).

Application Documents

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria must provide the following documents:

• A letter of agreement from a qualified researcher interested in co-supervising their research work, which can help establish a co-tutelle agreement with their university (including the name and email of the signatory of this letter, in PDF format, maximum 10 Mo).
• A detailed CV presenting their academic and professional background, previous scientific productions, and collaborations with public or private institutional partners involved in African or Haitian development (in PDF format, maximum 10 Mo).
• A letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages) explaining the reasons for applying to the doctoral school and their professional perspectives (in PDF format, maximum 10 Mo).
• A detailed and argued research project proposal (maximum 5 pages) focused on interdisciplinarity, innovation in questioning and/or methodology, offering perspectives for improvement and development of the targeted communities, and fitting into one of the presented themes. The project must also propose the name of a qualified researcher who could co-direct the thesis and help establish a co-tutelle with their doctoral school.
• Other documents, including a copy of the passport, proof of residence, and copies of main diplomas.

Research Project Structure

The research project should be structured around the following points:

1. Introduction: A broad introductory chapter (2-4 pages) that leads the reader from the general theme to a more specific problem, ending with one or two research questions.
2. Methodology: A chapter (1-2 pages) outlining the general methodology, specifying its originality, relevance, and feasibility. This should include details on the type of methodology, location, duration, partners, concrete steps, financial feasibility, statistical methods, and ethical considerations.
3. Operational Perspectives: A chapter (1 page) providing some operational perspectives that could result from the research, its appropriation, valorization, and contribution to sustainable development.
4. Bibliography: A chapter (1 page) indexing bibliographic references and documents used, which are relevant to the thesis project.

Priority Research Themes

The Université Senghor is particularly interested in research projects addressing the following themes:

1. African Leadership and the Role of Women: Exploring characteristics unique to African leaders and the impact of gender on leadership in African contexts.
2. Environment/Sustainable Development: Investigating how environmental policies influence development in Africa, including the impact of sustainable development goals on African countries.
3. One Health Approach in Public Policies: Analyzing the integration of the One Health approach into public policies in Africa, focusing on its implementation, outcomes, and holistic integration.
4. Trade in Cultural Goods and Services: Examining the role of cultural goods and services in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including their economic contribution and potential for development.
5. Endogenization of Project Management: Developing project management models specific to the African context, considering cultural, economic, and environmental realities.
6. Public Health Policies and Inequalities: Investigating how public health policies address health inequalities in Africa, particularly in the context of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), social responsibility in health, and current health challenges.
7. Sustainable Blue Economy: Exploring how the concept of a Sustainable Blue Economy can contribute to Africa's development, including its potential for creating economic value, preserving marine, lacustrine, and coastal spaces, and promoting social inclusion.
8. Urban Mobility in Southern Cities: Analyzing urban mobility solutions in African cities, focusing on their adaptation to local conditions, governance structures, financing models, and the integration of new projects into existing transport systems.

Scholarship Details

Selected candidates may receive a scholarship from the Université Senghor, which includes:

• A monthly allowance of 600 for 3 years.
• A budget for research activities, participation in scientific meetings, and stays in partner laboratories.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online and include the specified documents, named as indicated:

1. Copy of identity document (NOM Prénom Identité).
2. Proof of residence (NOM Prénom Résidence).
3. Detailed CV with photo (3 pages max) (NOM Prénom Diplôme).
4. Copy of Master's degree diploma (NOM Prénom CV).
5. Transcript of Master's degree (NOM Prénom Notes).
6. Letter of motivation (2 pages max) (NOM Prénom Motivation).
7. Research project proposal (5 pages max) (NOM Prénom Projet).
8. Letter of agreement from a qualified researcher for co-direction of the thesis (NOM Prénom Laboratoire).
9. Two letters of recommendation from external persons (not from the Université Senghor or the host laboratory) with their coordinates (NOM Prénom Recommandation 1 and NOM Prénom Recommandation 2).
10. Financing plan (NOM Prénom Financement).

Deadline and Residence Requirement

The application deadline is February 1, 2024, at midnight GMT. Selected candidates, especially those receiving a scholarship, are expected to reside in Alexandria for at least 2 years out of the 3 years financed by the scholarship and to spend approximately 3 months in Alexandria for the doctoral training period.

Senghor University in Alexandria

---

Overview:

Senghor University is an international university focused on French language and development. It offers various programs and services across multiple campuses, including one in Alexandria, Egypt. The university emphasizes practical skills, industry connections, and real-world experience for its students.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university promotes a vibrant and inclusive community for its students. It offers various student activities, sports, and fitness options. The campus experience is designed to provide a supportive and professional environment for learning and development.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Practical Skills and Industry Connections:

The university focuses on providing students with practical skills and opportunities to build a network of industry contacts.

Real-World Experience:

Students have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships and other practical learning opportunities.

Supportive and Professional Environment:

The university provides a supportive and professional environment for students to learn and grow.

---

Academic Programs:

The provided context does not offer specific details about the academic programs offered at the Alexandria campus. However, it mentions that the university offers 134 degree programs across various disciplines.

---

Other:

The university has a strong focus on Francophonie and its operators, including the OIF, AUF, TV5 Monde, and the Université de la Francophone. It also has a dedicated alumni association, the Association internationale des diplômés de l’Université Senghor (Aidus), which aims to maintain the Senghor spirit and foster a professional network for development in Africa.