OUAGADOUGOU — Seventeen doctoral students from the Institute of Society Sciences (INSS) in Ouagadougou presented their research for critical evaluation on Tuesday, aiming to refine their work ahead of their upcoming thesis defenses.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the director of the INSS, this event marked the 4th edition of the doctoral students’ day, a special occasion designed to allow senior researchers to scrutinize and provide constructive feedback on student research. This interaction helps ensure that the doctoral candidates are well-prepared for their defenses, leveraging insights from experienced academics rather than making substantial changes to their work.

The program caters specifically to students at various stages of their doctoral journey. First-year students receive feedback on their research protocols, methodologies, survey sheets, and fieldwork. Second-year students are evaluated on the incorporation of previous feedback and the progress of their research. For those nearing the completion of their theses, the committee offers guidance on finalizing their documents and preparing for the defense presentation.

The event, which also included participants from other universities in Burkina Faso, was conducted under the theme “Doctoral research in times of crisis,” reflecting the challenges and adjustments academic research has faced during turbulent times.