Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action ITN CASPIAN

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action “Around the Caspian: a Doctoral Training for Future Experts in Development and Cooperation with Focus on the Caspian Region ” (CASPIAN) is a European Training Network that wants produce the next generation of experts on the Caspian region in order to establish, and make sustainable, a network of excellence.

This will be achieved through an integrated PhD programme on the Caspian that boosts the researchers’ theoretical, empirical and administrative skills, a thing that will make them extremely competitive for employment in both academic and non-academic sectors but also confident and knowledgeable enough to start their own projects. The training will enhance the research skills of the early-stage researchers, while also giving them a first-hand experience with a partner operating in a different environment, thus learning how to apply their skills to different fields and sectors.

We expect our network and training to become a leading voice on issues related to the Caspian region both in academia and other sectors. The project encompasses the introduction of joint PhD programs in Caspian studies. A total of 15 PhD students have been admitted to the program. Non-academic actors will engage the students as interns for enhancing their practical skills and capabilities in working with non-governmental sector, especially in working with non-academic research institutions.

Role of Ghent University

Ghent University of one CAPSIAN’s seven core partners. At present, two full-time Research Fellows are employed on the project, one working on the middle classes(es) in Azerbaijan, and another on the social-spatial impact of the extractive industries in West Kazakhstan.

Contact

Prof. dr. Bruno De Cordier
Department of Conflict and Development Studies
Phone number: (09) 264.69.17
E-mail: bruno.decordier@ugent.be