A tool to foster international cooperation between France and Canada
Two seminars on Joint PhD programs were hosted on December 2nd and 3rd 2010 by The University of British Columbia and The Simon Fraser University, at the initiative of the French Embassy in Ottawa, the French Consulate General in Vancouver and CampusFrance Canada.
International Graduate Degree Programs give students the opportunity to obtain a ‘dual-awarded PhD’, also known as ‘cotutelle’.
A cotutelle is a PhD program offered by two higher education institutions, one in Canada, the other in France. The jointly awarded degree is delivered and recognized by both institutions.
As explained by Mr Philippe Carlevan, Science and Technology Advisor, and Mr Nicolas Duhaut, University Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy, students enrolled in a cotutelle program have access to an invaluable experience and being able do their research both in Canada and France raises their profile at an international level; but more importantly, cotutelle programs represent a first and crucial step towards bridging the gap between Canadian and French research labs because they enable international researchers to build enduring links between each others, thus ensuring the future of long-term cooperation between the Canadian and French scientific communities.
(More information about Dual-awarded PhDs / Cotutelles de thèse)
Twenty French researchers and university representatives, coming from the main research centres in France, attended the seminars which were moderated by the Associate Deans of Graduate Studies of UBC and SFU, Ms Jenny Phelps and Mr George Agnes. Together they discussed the best ways to use cotutelle programs as a tool to reinforce scientific collaboration between the two countries.
In addition, Dr Jean-François Richer (University of Calgary), a former cotutelle student, gave a lively rendering of his studies in France, allowing the attending students to share his joint PhD experience.
(or on DailyMotion)
(or on DailyMotion)
Finally, in honour of the French delegation, the Consul General of France in Vancouver, Mr Alexandre Garcia, hosted a reception at the Résidence on Thursday, December 2nd, which was attended by university academics and representatives of both UBC and SFU.
