Centre UNESCO de l'Eau ICIREWARD - Université Montpellier

INITIATE - Water

INITIATE for PhD: A Global Network for Water Research

Are you a PhD candidate working on water-related challenges? Do you want to connect with peers, experts, and mentors from around the world to develop innovative solutions for global water sustainability? INITIATE for PhD offers you a unique opportunity to join an international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary network dedicated to advancing water science.

Applications for the INITIATE Cohort 2025 are now closed – stay tuned for updates and don’t miss your chance to apply for the 2026 cohort!

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International - Intercultural - Interdisciplinary

About INITIATE

INITIATE for PhD is a pioneering platform designed to foster collaboration among PhD candidates and their mentors across 13 leading universities worldwide, including three UNESCO International Centers in Delft, Dundee, and Montpellier. By uniting researchers from diverse backgrounds, INITIATE provides a space to exchange ideas, develop interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge, and address urgent global water challenges.

The platform aims to create a lifelong professional network that continues beyond the PhD journey, supporting early-career researchers as they transition into leadership roles in water management, sustainability, and climate adaptation.

By participating in INITIATE, you will:

Gain a decentered perspective on your research through discussions with peers from different regions and disciplines.
Become part of a prestigious international network of researchers, institutions, and professionals.
Benefit from mobility opportunities, joint training, and access to cutting-edge resources.
Develop collaborative projects and build lasting partnerships for future research consortia.
Expand your career prospects by connecting with academics, industry leaders, and international organizations.

The platform is led by an International Steering Committee (ISC), which includes representatives from its founding member institutions:

Université de Montpellier, FR: Olivier Barreteau
Australian National University, AU: Joseph Guillaume
Dublin City University, IE: Fiona Regan
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, NL: Margreet Zwarteveen
Rhodes University, ZA: Nelson Odume
Université de Sherbrooke, CA: Marie-Amélie Boucher
Université Laval, CA: François Anctil
University Cheikh Anta Diop Of Dakar, SN: Awa Fall
University Felix Houphouet Boigny, CI: Dimitri Soro
University Mohamed 6 Polytechnique, MA: Abdelghani Chehbouni
University of Barcelona, ES: Joaquim Farguell Pérez
University of Dundee, UK: John Rowan
The University of Arizona, US

INITIATE provides participants with structured opportunities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and gain practical experience:

Doctoral student/supervisor mobility: Exchange programs to share expertise and experiences while considering environmental impact.
Resource sharing: Access to training modules, advanced research equipment, experimental sites, databases, and software.
Cross-training webinars: Interdisciplinary learning opportunities through interactive online seminars.
Workshops: Hands-on training, fieldwork, and networking opportunities in diverse settings.

Each year, a new cohort of PhD candidates is selected through a competitive application process. Candidates are nominated by their universities and chosen by the International Steering Committee, with input from representatives of ongoing cohorts. Each cohort participates in a 18 months program, which includes:

An in-person INITIATE school to strengthen group cohesion.
Ongoing virtual collaboration through webinars and joint research activities.

To ensure the program is impactful, applicants must submit a letter of support from their PhD supervisor(s) and commit to engaging actively with their cohort throughout the program.

INITIATE is more than just a PhD program—it is a career-long professional network. Alumni continue to engage with the platform, contributing to new research collaborations, participating in events, and maintaining connections with global experts and practitioners in water management.

At its core, INITIATE for PhD is built on the principles of:

Diversity – Welcoming scholars from various cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.
Representativity – Ensuring inclusivity in global water research.
Complementarity – Encouraging interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing.
Collaboration – Building strong, impactful research networks.

Partner universities

INITIATE Upcoming Actions & Events

Date: 17 June 2025 – 15:00 CET (on Teams)

In this webinar, Laura Condon (University of Arizona – US) and Ahina Adrinkaye (Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny – Côte d'Ivoire) will present on shallow groundwater vulnerabilityfrom two complementary perspectives.

(This session is part of our member-only webinar series, but good news: some of our webinars will soon be open to the public. Stay tuned!)

July 2025 - Date to be confirmed soon

We’re excited to welcome the new INITIATE PhD cohort for 2025! This kick-off session will be the first opportunity for all selected candidates to meet, connect, and learn more about the platform and upcoming activities.

Stay tuned for the confirmed date and full program!