The Structuring Training Project for Innovative Collaboration in Research in Côte d'Ivoire (PSF-CIRCI) has reached a major milestone. On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the program officially concluded its three-year capacity-building cycle in Bingerville. At this event, scientists were strongly encouraged to place collective intelligence, innovation, and strategic alliances at the heart of national development.

The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the African Centre of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA-CCBAD), located at the Science Campus of Félix Houphouët-Boigny University (UFHB). The event brought together delegates from the Ministry of Higher Education, representatives from the French Research Institute for Development (IRD), and numerous institutional partners.

A promising outcome for collaborative research

Jointly led by UFHB, IRD, and CEA-CCBAD, the PSF-CIRCI aims to equip faculty and doctoral students to meet contemporary challenges. The program focuses on developing advanced skills in collaborative research and the engineering of high-impact, interdisciplinary projects.

1. The 3rd cohort: 15 project leaders from the IRD networks have just received their diplomas.
2. Overall assessment: This latest group completes a staff of 30 researchers already trained during the two previous sessions.

Addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinarity

Ms. Félicia Johnson, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Adama Diawara, emphasized the urgent need for a methodological transition. Whether addressing food security, climate, health, energy, or the digital transition, current challenges demand breaking down academic silos.

"We expect you to be not only excellent researchers, but also builders of collaborations, facilitators of innovation and catalysts for change," she emphasized to the recipients.

An enthusiasm shared by Mr. Bomisso Elson, representing the president of UFHB (Professor Ballo Zié), who sees in these graduates "the foundation of a dynamic collaborative research" destined to transform the Ivorian university landscape.

Focusing on the future and regional expansion

Professor Fatou Shcherzade Ouattara, co-leader of the project alongside Professor Dominique Serca (IRD), welcomed the establishment of this new culture of teamwork, hoping that it will give rise to new and innovative scientific projects.

The event concluded with the formal presentation of diplomas to the 15 graduates. Building on this success, the organizers now have a clear ambition: to export this training model to reach an even wider audience of researchers, both in Côte d'Ivoire and throughout the sub-region.