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.