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TAM Report | Algeria | Reforming Doctoral and Postdoctoral Studies for Knowledge Society

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Petya Mitova • 10 July 2026
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GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Reforming Doctoral and Postdoctoral Studies for Knowledge Society: A Competency Development Perspective in Algeria

Type of Event: Webinar

Modality: Online

Country: Algeria

Dates: 29–30 April 2026

Participants: 85 participants, including HEI managers (Post-Graduation and Research Vice Rectors), HERE members, national experts, and policy makers from Algeria, with contributions from EU experts (Switzerland and Portugal) and UNIMED (Italy).

               

THEMES COVERED

  • European Doctoral Education Overview
  • Digital Transformation in Doctoral Education
  • Competency-Based Doctoral Training Frameworks
  • Doctoral Training and Career Pathways
  • Doctoral Education Institutional Change Implementation
  • Doctoral Education Change Frameworks

 

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

  • Explored the Salzburg Principles and contemporary European doctoral education frameworks and their applicability to the Algerian context
  • Examined competency-based approaches to doctoral training, including the European ResearchComp framework, and discussed evidence-based institutional implementation strategies
  • Identified best practices in research ethics and integrity, with attention to sustainable institutional policy mechanisms
  • Discussed diverse career pathway models for doctorate holders, including preparation for non-academic careers, and corresponding institutional support mechanisms
  • Reviewed findings from a European survey of 217 universities, highlighting that 89% now have central doctoral schools and only 15% require obligatory supervisor training
  • Participated in two parallel workshops addressing challenges in Algeria's doctoral system and institutional action planning strategies
  • Drafted actionable recommendations and began developing a reform roadmap for Algerian HEIs

 

OVERVIEW

The 1.5-day online seminar brought together 85 participants from Algerian higher education institutions, government ministries, and European partner organizations to discuss the reform of doctoral and postdoctoral education in Algeria from a competency development perspective.

Day 1 focused on institutional excellence in doctoral education. Following opening remarks by the NEO coordinator and a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), EU Expert Simon Marti delivered a keynote on European doctoral education, presenting survey data and the Salzburg Principles. Sessions covered regional and European doctoral education frameworks, including the RAQMYAT project from Tunisia as a benchmark for digital transformation, as well as competency-based training frameworks and diverse career pathways, presented by EU Expert Peter Hanenberg. The afternoon featured two parallel workshops: one on challenges and opportunities in Algeria's doctoral system, and one on institutional action planning.

Day 2 focused on implementation planning and institutional change. Peter Hanenberg delivered the keynote, addressing the evolving role of PhD education and the importance of transversal skills, research integrity, and diverse final work formats. Simon Marti presented on implementing institutional change drawing from 20 years of European experience. A working group session allowed participants to develop draft reform roadmaps. The seminar concluded with the presentation of actionable recommendations and a discussion on next steps, including a follow-up meeting planned for 2–3 weeks later.

The seminar's key lessons were: (1) adopting competency-based frameworks to prepare PhDs for diverse careers; (2) establishing central doctoral schools with formal supervision training and quality assurance; and (3) implementing change through multi-level, participatory strategies rather than top-down mandates.

 

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Follow-up Meeting on "Reforming Doctoral and Postdoctoral Studies for Knowledge Society: A Competency Development Perspective in Algeria"

Dates: 21 May 2026

Audience: Focus group composed of the HERE team and EU Experts

Description: An online focus group meeting held approximately three weeks after the TAM seminar. Its primary purpose was to validate and refine the draft roadmap for doctoral and postdoctoral reform in Algeria, moving from broad TAM recommendations to concrete, accountable decisions. Participants adopted binding resolutions on governance, funding, supervision, industrial PhDs, and quality assurance. The meeting produced a formally endorsed national roadmap and a priority action matrix with assigned responsibilities and deadlines.

 

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

  • Formally establish a National Steering Committee for Doctoral Reform to oversee implementation, monitor progress, and report annually to the Ministry.
  • Launch pilot projects at 2–3 selected universities within three months, testing industrial doctoral tracks, supervisor training programs, or competency-based modules, with technical support from European experts.
  • Form working groups to draft legal amendments on mandatory supervisor training, industrial PhD frameworks, and internal quality assurance for doctoral schools, with proposals submitted to the Ministry within six months.
  • Design and administer the first annual national doctoral education survey within 12 months to establish baseline data and enable biennial international benchmarking against European and MENA countries.

 

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

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