An international platform for doctoral students working on water issues
A space for collaboration on major water-related issues
The leading international initiative INITIATE (InternatioNal InTercultural Interdisciplinary wATer nEtwork) has launched an international platform called “INITIATE for PhD” to strengthen collaboration among doctoral researchers issues related to major water challenges, by fostering interdisciplinary exchange across cultural contexts and 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 provides doctoral researchers with doctoral researchers platform for collaboration on major global water-related issues.
Selected candidates will receive comprehensive support, including coverage of travel, accommodation, and living expenses during 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 from 13 partner universities, offering a unique framework for networking, mutual enrichment, and the development of 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) Mohamed VI Polytechnic University
- (Netherlands) IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
- (United Kingdom) University of Dundee
- (Senegal) Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar
Applicants must demonstrate a strong command ofEnglish (French is a plus) and actively participate in the network’s activities. The new application deadline is April 22, 2025, and aletter of support from the thesis advisor 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 under the France 2030 Plan (ANR-21-IDES-0005) and the I-SITE Excellence Program under the France 2030 Investment Plan (ANR-16-IDEX-0003).