The third interim meeting of the RAQMYAT project, entitled “Digital strategies for doctoral training in the humanities and social sciences in Tunisia”, took place from 22 to 24 May 2024 at the Higher Institute of Applied Studies in Humanities of Sbeïtla, under the aegis of the University of Kairouan. The event brought together the academic and administrative coordinators of the project partners, as well as the presidents and vice presidents, to discuss the progress made and the next steps of the project.

Day one: orientation and strategies

The first day, 22 May, began with an opening and welcome session led by a number of academic figures, including Taha Guerfel, President of the University of Kairouan, Mahmoud Abbes Amri, Director of the Higher Institute of Applied Studies in Humanities of Sbeïtla (University of Kairouan), Hedi Dhouibi, Director of the Higher Institute of Applied Sciences at the University of Kairouan and local coordinator of the RAQMYAT project, and Sihem Najar, Professor at the University of La Manouba and scientific coordinator of the RAQMYAT project. 

Silvia Marchionne, UNIMED international projects manager and RAQMYAT project coordinator, presented the objectives of the meeting and the work plan for the next five months of the project.

The discussions on the first day then focused on two of the most important and central work packages of the project, namely the development of digital strategies for the doctoral schools of the Tunisian partner universities within the framework of WP2 and the definition of 8 online thematic pathways for teachers and doctoral students. The team from the University of La Manouba presented the framework for the development of these strategies and the next deadlines, while the discussion among the partners focused on the analysis of the qualitative survey that the 7 Tunisian universities conducted to better understand the needs of their universities in terms of digitization of doctoral training.

The University of Vienna presented the state of the art on the creation of these 8 online courses, which represents an innovative and unique tool for the training of trainers on various topics such as the management of data and digital resources, soft skills for the employability of doctoral candidates, geography and cartography, textometry, arts and digital etc.

Day two: training and evaluation

The second day, 23 May, began with discussions on the organization of the second summer school in Vienna and the doctoriales. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening international cooperation and providing practical training opportunities for doctoral students, as well as opening up to the socio-economic world. La Manouba and Tunis El Manar Universities, which have already organized their doctoriales, shared their experience with the other partners.

The evaluation of the quality and results of the project were two other crucial points of the day. The internal mid-term report and previous evaluations were presented by the leaders of WP6, the Universities of Granada and Kairouan. Prof. Mohamed Salah Harzallah, external evaluator, also shared his external mid-term evaluation report.

The day ended with discussions on the project’s financial management and budget, as well as dissemination and impact strategies, including the website, project videos and social media communication plans.

Day three: visits and closing ceremony

The last day, 24 May, was devoted to cultural and academic visits. Participants travelled to Kairouan to visit the Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Kairouan and discover the historic city. These visits concluded the meeting on a collaborative and cultural note.

Conclusion

The third mid-term meeting of the RAQMYAT project was an opportunity to take stock of achievements and plan essential next steps. The project continues to play a crucial role in improving doctoral training in HSS in Tunisia, integrating digital strategies and strengthening doctoral students’ skills for future employability.

The local press – represented by Radio Steppes – was also present, broadcasting the activities of the meeting in Sbeitla. The video link is here. 

The program can be viewed and downloaded here.

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