Call for Applications for 2003

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is pleased to announce the launching of its prize for the best three doctoral theses produced annually in Africa. This programme has been introduced with a view to promoting the research work of African doctoral students and to celebrate the performance of those among them who produce outstanding studies that are worthy of being given greater visibility than would otherwise be possible in the absence of a special initiative designed to bring them to the attention of a critical international audience. The CODESRIA Prize for Doctoral Theses is, therefore, designed to encourage excellence in advanced post-graduate research in Africa. In determining the best theses produced, emphasis will be placed on originality, rigour, innovation and relevance. It is proposed to award three doctoral theses prizes annually. Each prize will comprise a sum of USD1000 and the publication of a suitably revised version of the selected thesis in the CODESRIA Book Series.

Eligibility

Any African student registered in a doctoral programme in an African university and who has produced a thesis in the social sciences that has been accepted after due examination is eligible to enter the competition for the award of a CODESRIA prize. To be considered, the thesis should have been submitted and successfully defended in the period between 01 June of the preceding year and 31 May of the current year.

Procedure for Application

For the current round of competition, candidates interested in having their theses evaluated for the possible award of a prize are requested to send the following documents to the CODESRIA Secretariat by 31 July, 2003:

1. A curriculum vitae indicating educational background, publications, and on-going research interests/activities;

2. Two copies of the final version of the thesis;

3. A summary of not more than ten pages written by the author of the thesis on the content of his/her work;

4. A letter of reference written by a scholar other than the thesis supervisor and which comments on the merit of the thesis, the student’s contribution to knowledge and a better understanding of African realities, the points of innovation and originality in the thesis and the candidate’s potentials for further advanced research;

5. A letter of support written by the supervisor of the candidate’s thesis; and

6. Any other additional scientific information that would be worth bringing to the attention of the jury

Selection Procedure

There will be two stages in the selection of the best three social science theses produced by African doctoral students. The first stage will involve a sub-regional selection process whereby independent juries will be requested by CODESRIA to evaluate and rank the theses submitted for consideration from the different sub-regions. The short-listed theses will then be transferred to a continental jury made up of eminent scholars who will identify the best three theses to be awarded prizes. The continental jury will reserve the right to request additional information from all short-listed candidates. Candidates will be kept informed of the outcome of each stage of the selection process by the CODESRIA Secretariat.

Submission of Entries

All applications for consideration for the award of a prize should be submitted to:

The Prize for Doctoral Theses
virginie.niang@codesria.sn