The International Graduate School (IGS) North-South is dedicated to advancing sustainable development worldwide and focuses on education at the PhD level to establish a leading international research network that analyses the impacts and opportunities of global change. The PhD programme emphasizes an integrative, partnership-based research approach, as well as innovation and application. More than 100 PhD candidates from around the world are currently enrolled.
The IGS North-South was developed within the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South. It is based on an inter-university agreement between the universities of Basel, Bern and Lausanne in Switzerland, and selected cooperation agreements with leading universities from countries in the global South and East. IGS North-South PhD candidates may attend courses offered by the school’s partner universities. The IGS North-South certificate “of Specialization in Sustainable Development” will supplement the degree they receive from their home institution.
In order to provide appropriate training, the IGS North-South offers disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary courses.
Are you interested in guiding your career in the field of conservation?
If so, do not miss the Careers in Conservation Day which will take place on Monday, 9 March 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in a hybrid format (in person/in live). Information and registration on https://wp.unil.ch/conservationday/.
Read his recent publication, “Perceived and measured forest degradation across Western Africa: Insights for sustainable forest management” here.
We’re excited to see the impact he will continue to make in his next chapters!
Programme Spring Semester 2026
Find more information here.
We are pleased to share the Authorship Guidelines for Scientific Publications at CDE. By strengthening clarity around authorship roles and responsibilities, these guidelines support integrity, fairness, and collaboration in research—values that are central to high-quality academic work.
These guidelines were developed through an inclusive and collaborative process and aim to provide orientation regarding authorship. Hopefully they will serve you too, as a useful reference on your publication journey.
The courses for the spring semester 2026 have been published.
We are happy to inform you that registration for the 2026 Summer School in Puerto Maldonado, Peru is now open. Further information
The revised Guide for Global Research Partnerships is now available.
The 6 principles for Global Research Partnerships point at the main pillars of global collaboration. Background information on each principle supports researchers, funders and practitioners in strengthening Global Research in practice.
We are thrilled to announce the IGS North-South Charter for Sustainability Education and Research.
This Charter is the result of a truly collaborative process, and reflects our shared commitment to fostering inclusive, interdisciplinary, and international learning environments that support transformations towards sustainable development.
The University of Bern is aware of the importance of scientific integrity. It not only ensures the integrity of its research activities but also actively promotes knowledge in this area. In addition to training courses in degree programs and graduate schools, it offers the online course “Research Integrity” to all members of the university. The course teaches the basic principles of good scientific practice and gives an overview of international standards of conduct. The course meets the training requirements of most funding agencies and journals. Further information
With the formulated recommendations this report presents an important source for the IGS North-South and other (doctoral) education programmes to strengthen the process of decolonizing academia.
North–South research collaboration is still largely determined by power imbalances between the global North & South. So, it’s high time to decolonize research. Read the interview with IGS Alumni Ravaka Andriamihaja, who investigated the issues at stake for the KFPE.