An international platform for doctoral students engaged in water issues
A space for collaboration on major water-related issues
The key international initiative INITIATE (InternatioNal InTercultural Interdisciplinary wATer nEtwork) has set up an international platform called "INITIATE for PhD" to strengthen exchanges between doctoral researchers with issues related to major water challenges, by promoting cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural, and cross-research approaches. It is extending its call for applications for the 2025 cohort until April 22.
Coordinated by the University of Montpellier, in collaboration with 13 partner institutions around the world, including three UNESCO international centers in Montpellier (France), Delft (Netherlands), and Dundee (Scotland), this initiative offers doctoral researchers space for collaboration on major global water issues.
Selected candidates will receive comprehensive support, including coverage of travel, accommodation, and living expenses for in-person events. The program also includes online seminars, interdisciplinary working groups, and opportunities for international mobility.
A transdisciplinary and multicultural program, an international academic network
The program brings together doctoral students enrolled at 13 partner universities, offering a unique framework for networking, mutual enrichment, and building future academic collaborations. The program lasts 18 months and includes one or two in-person international workshops, remote collaborative sessions, and active engagement in an international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary scientific community.
The program is open to doctoral researchers at one of the partner universities:
- (France) University of Montpellier
- (South Africa) Rhodes University
- (Australia) Australian National University
- (Canada) Laval University
- (Canada) University of Sherbrooke
- (Ivory Coast) Felix Houphouet Boigny University
- (Spain) University of Barcelona
- (United States) The University of Arizona
- (Ireland) Dublin City University
- (Morocco) Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
- (Netherlands) IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
- (United Kingdom) University of Dundee
- (Senegal) Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar
Candidates must demonstrate a good command ofEnglish (French is an asset) and actively engage in the network's activities. The new application deadline is April 22, 2025, and aletter of support from the thesis supervisor is required to validate the application.
This project is led by the University of Montpellier, in partnership with the universities of Barcelona, Australia, Arizona, Laval, Sherbrooke, IHE Delft, Rhodes, UCAD, UM6P, DCU, ANU, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Dundee. This initiative is supported by the"UM2030"program of the France 2030 Plan (ANR-21-IDES-0005) and the I-SITE Program of Excellence of the France 2030 investment plan (ANR-16-IDEX-0003).