IPORA Summer School 2026 in Abidjan:
cross-methodological approaches for interdisciplinary research
From 15 to 17 July 2026, IPORA will organise its Summer School in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, dedicated to cross-methodological approaches in interdisciplinary research for the development of societies.
Conducted in French (with English interpretation available for certain sessions), this summer school will take place in a hybrid format, with in-person workshops in Abidjan (by application) and sessions accessible online (by registration).
IPORA – Interdisciplinary Policy-Oriented Research on Africa is an international research network established in 2022 to promote interdisciplinary, collaborative research focused on public policy in Africa. Adopting a research-based training approach, the IPORA 2026 Summer School offers an active learning environment dedicated to cross-methodological approaches within an interdisciplinary context. It will enable participants to explore innovative methods to better understand the complexity of contemporary challenges in Africa, through theoretical input and practical application, interdisciplinary exchanges and group work.
Objectives
General objective
This summer school aims to strengthen the methodological and analytical capacities of early-career researchers in the design, conduct and dissemination of interdisciplinary research focused on public policy in Africa.
Specific objectives
Specifically, the summer school aims to:
- train participants in the main methodological approaches used in interdisciplinary research;
- promote the application of methodological skills through the collaborative analysis of concrete issues related to the scientific priorities of the IPORA consortium;
- encourage the emergence of scientific interactions and academic collaborations between researchers from different disciplines and institutions;
- stimulate the co-development of interdisciplinary research projects or initiatives between participants, academic staff and partner institutions.
Programme
The detailed programme of the IPORA 2026 Summer School is now available.
Over three days, the summer school will combine keynote presentations, methodological sessions, case studies, practical workshops and supervised group work on interdisciplinary research.
The programme will address key issues such as research questions and data collection tools, analysis and dissemination, and the translation of interdisciplinary evidence into policy recommendations.
Participants will also take part in tutored group projects designed to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative methodological reflection.
Who is this summer school aimed at?
The IPORA 2026 Summer School is designed for participants interested in interdisciplinary approaches to development, public policy and social transformation in Africa. It brings together advanced Master’s students, PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, early-career researchers, lecturers and researchers, as well as professionals involved in research, development or public policy.
The programme combines online sessions open to a wider registered audience with in-person activities in Abidjan for selected participants.
=> Online participation
Some sessions will be accessible remotely for registered participants.
=> In-person participation in Abidjan
Practical workshops, group work and methodological discussions will take place in person in Abidjan with a limited group of selected participants. These activities are intended to support active engagement, collaborative work and the supervised project developed as part of the summer school.
Registration and selection process
Registration for the IPORA Summer School 2026 is now closed.
Applications were open until 3 June 2026. Applicants were invited to complete an online registration form and submit a detailed CV.
For participants applying to attend the in-person workshops in Abidjan, places were limited to 20 and allocated on an application basis.
Applications were assessed on the basis of the applicant’s profile, motivation, the relevance of their research or professional project to interdisciplinary approaches, and their potential to contribute to collaborative work.
Selected participants have been contacted by the organizing team with further information regarding the programme and practical arrangements.
In summary
IPORA 2026 Summer School
📍 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
📅 15–17 July 2026
🗣️ Language: French / English
🌐 Hybrid format: in-person & online
👥 In-person workshops: selected participants only
💻 Online participation: registered participants only
📩 Registration: closed
Contact
For further information:
Gerard Menan: gerard.menan@pac-ci.org
Yanick Mvodo: yanick.mvodo@u-bordeaux.fr
