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.
Who is this summer school aimed at?
The IPORA 2026 Summer School is aimed at those interested in interdisciplinary approaches applied to issues of development, public policy and social transformation in Africa: 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.
Two participation options are available:
=> Online participation
Certain sessions accessible remotely will be open to a wider audience, subject to prior registration via an online form. The login link will be sent to registered participants towards the end of June.
=> In-person participation in Abidjan
Certain sessions, including practical workshops and group work, will be held in person in Abidjan and will be limited to 20 participants selected on the basis of their application. This option is primarily intended for those wishing to actively engage in group work, methodological discussions and the supervised project offered as part of the summer school.
Programme
Details of the programme will be sent to you very shortly.
It will include, in particular:
- an introductory session on interdisciplinarity: needs and challenges
- theoretical training sessions on conducting interdisciplinary research on key IPORA themes (food systems and population nutrition, social equity, global health, environmental security, among others)
- practical scenario-based workshops – interdisciplinary dialogue, formulating research questions and methodologies, integrating interdisciplinary data
- the completion of interdisciplinary projects led by groups of 4 or 5 students from different disciplines, supervised by at least 2 tutors (researchers, lecturers)
How to apply
Interested parties are invited to complete an online registration form by 3 June 2026.
They will be asked to submit a detailed CV, maximum 2 pages
=> Attend the in-person workshops in Abidjan
Places on the in-person workshops are limited to 20 and are allocated on an application basis.
- Interested parties are invited to submit a cover letter relating to their research or professional project
- This letter must also be submitted online
- Registration form: Same button as above
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the applicant’s profile, motivation, the merit of the project or background for interdisciplinary approaches, as well as the potential to contribute to collaborative work.
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: 20 places available
📩 Application deadline: 3 June 2026
💻 Online participation: registration via form
🔗 Login link to be sent to registered participants at the end of June
Contact
For further information:
Gerard Menan: gerard.menan@pac-ci.org
Yanick Mvodo: yanick.mvodo@u-bordeaux.fr
