Monthly PhD Clinic & Peer Support Forum (21 June 2025): Meeting summary
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Quick Recap
The meeting focused on providing guidance to PhD students regarding research funding strategies, academic progress, and selecting appropriate research topics. Participants shared their experiences with various funding sources, research methods, and the importance of wide reading and data gathering during the early stages of PhD studies. The discussion concluded with emphasis on the value of networking, attending conferences, and ethical considerations in research, with encouragement for participants to connect with the community and follow upcoming events.
Key Takeaways
PhD journey requires both passion and strategic planning
Reading extensively during early stages is crucial for topic refinement.
Be guided by career goals, strategy and passion
Read literature systematically to observe patterns and identify areas to engage further
Funding opportunities exist through multiple channels including university programmes, funded fellowships, and supervisor grants
Networking and conference attendance are valuable for research enhancement and professional development
AI usage in research requires careful consideration of ethical implications, including the risk of self-plagiarism
Research methods and data collection:
Explore diverse research methods for fuller, richer data
Summary of Discussed Topics
PhD funding and research strategies
The group discussed PhD funding strategies, with facilitators advising participants to begin gathering data and reading relevant literature as early as possible, even while waiting for ethical clearance, as this period provides a valuable opportunity to develop research ideas. They shared that PhD students typically receive initial funding through their programs for 4-5 years, with additional funding opportunities available through universities, supervisors, and external grants. The discussion concluded with experience sharing on SSRC Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa and reference to a previous PhDinAfrica session about raising research funds, while encouraging the participants exploring PhD funding options to reach out for individual guidance.
PhD topic selection and research preparation
One participant shared his challenge in selecting a PhD topic, particularly in peace and conflict studies, and mentioned his current research interest in transborder conflicts and human security. The lead facilitator shared his personal experience of facing similar challenges during his PhD, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and gathering data during the early stages to gain clarity on the research topic. Both participants discussed the impact of the pandemic on their research progress and the value of fieldwork in shaping their academic work.
PhD research guidance and ethics
The meeting focused on providing guidance to PhD scholars about research direction and academic progress. The lead facilitator advised students to be grounded in their literature, read peer-reviewed journals, and not to change topics frequently, emphasizing that clear direction comes with time and deep engagement with research materials. Other facilitators added that PhD choices should be a blend of strategy and passion, highlighting the importance of identifying areas of interest and ensuring marketability and relevance post-PhD. The discussion also touched on the ethical use of AI in research, with a warning about self-plagiarism and the need for caution when using AI tools. A facilitator shared her experience of using qualitative methods in her PhD, which she found enriching and influential in her current work.
Benefits of conference networking and collaboration
The meeting focused on the importance of attending conferences and networking with colleagues, with the lead facilitator emphasizing that helping others can benefit oneself in the long run. Participants discussed the value of exposing oneself to different disciplines and contexts, with attendees sharing their experiences at a PhD Summer School in Belgium, the https://www.istr.org/https://www.istr.org/ Doctoral Fellowship and other doctoral support workshops.
Closing remarks
The group was encouraged to spread the word about the community and upcoming events, with promises of sharing a summary and recording of the meeting. The conversation ended with thanks to the organizers and facilitators, and a call for participants to reach out for support and follow the PhDinAfrica community on social media.
