Hayka: Strengthening Academic Capacity in Madagascar
From October 2 to 6, 2023, more than 40 female faculty members, Professors EC), and administrative and technical staff (PAT) from nine doctoral schools and six Malagasy universities gathered to participate in an intensive training program designed to strengthen their skills in various key areas of higher education. Organized as part of the HayKa project, this initiative—co-funded by the European Union—took place in Antsiranana, Madagascar, offering a unique platform for exchange and professional development.
One of the main focuses of this training program was doctoral supervision. Participants benefited from interactive workshops led by experts. These sessions covered topics such as best practices in supervision, thesis monitoring, and the development of doctoral researchers skills. The goal was to equip participants with the tools needed to guide the next generation of researchers in their academic careers.
Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Impact
Research, as a cornerstone of higher education, must be grounded in strong ethical and professional standards. The sessions dedicated to this topic allowed participants to discuss common ethical dilemmas in research, efforts to combat discrimination—particularly regarding gender-based and sexual violence—and fundamental ethical principles. This approach reinforces the commitment to academic integrity and prepares participants to navigate the ethical complexities of the academic world, whose challenges are universal.
An essential skill for academics is the ability to communicate effectively. Administrative and technical staff, as well as Professors researchers, participated in practical workshops to improve their oral and written communication skills. This included preparing compelling presentations, learning how to use various tools, and developing communication skills tailored to their audiences. The goal is to enable participants to convey information clearly and effectively.
Maximize opportunities
Research funding was also a key focus of the training. The trainers shared their expertise on writing successful proposals, identifying funding sources, and ensuring that applications align with funders’ expectations. Participants gained practical skills to maximize their chances of securing funding for their research projects.
This training was made possible by the HayKa project, an initiative co-funded by the European Union. The project aims to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance employability in higher education in Madagascar, particularly in the context of doctoral studies. The training in Antsiranana is part of this broader mission by providing professional development opportunities to key actors in the academic world and better equipping them to advance academic excellence in Madagascar.