5th July is Algerian Independence Day. It is an important time of the year, and this year, one which is also marked by the beginning of the Algerian-UK Youth Futures research project led by the University of Jijel and Coventry University. Bringing together early career researchers from the two countries the project aims to investigate how young people are currently investing in their local environments to protect them, how they envision the future – and what kind of sustainable livelihoods they aspire to.
Speaking ahead of the launch event, lead researcher Dr Adel Chiheb from the University of Jijel expressed his satisfaction with the work of the doctoral students who are very much behind this initiative:
“Our students are ambitious, skilled and open in their outlook. They are keen to build partnerships across Algerian universities and internationally and we are here to support them. They are also concerned about the future and about local, national and global environmental challenges and they want to be part of the solutions – through evidenced based rigorous research.”
Dr Adel Chiheb
Dr Jessica Northey from Coventry University discussed some of the methodological challenges and opportunities the research project represents:
“This project enables us to draw on the skills of an impressive network of researchers, across a number of Algerian, UK and Irish universities who are keen to share their experiences and expertise. I am honoured to be part of this excellent initiative which has emerged from the efforts of our colleagues in Jijel and the energy of the Algerian doctoral researchers.”
Dr Jessica Northey
The project builds on a highly successful doctoral summer school in Jijel 2019 that supported Algerian early career researchers to develop their skills in writing and publishing in international journals. The next phase will include seminars and training and joint research design workshops online and in JIjel when the situation allows.
