CODESRIA Prize for Doctoral Theses, 05/04
Call for Applications for 2004
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 2003 and 31 May 2004.
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, 2004:
i) A curriculum vitae indicating educational background, publications, and on-going
research interests/activities;
ii) Two copies of the final version of the thesis;
iii) A summary of not more than ten pages written by the author of the thesis on the
content of his/her work;
iv) 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;
v) A letter of support written by the supervisor of the candidate's thesis; and
vi) 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,
CODESRIA,
BP 3304,
Dakar,
Senegal.
Tel: +221-825 9822/23;
Fax: +221-824 1289.
E-Mail: virginie.niang@codesria.sn
Website: www.codesria.org
Page Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D.