Calls for Projects – GDR Rift
2025: Mobility Support
The GDR Rift launched the fifth edition of its Mobility Support program to promote academic exchange and training.
The 8 submitted applications were evaluated and selected by the scientific committee on January 7, 2025. This year again, we received significantly more applications than we could fund (50% were accepted), which required setting an internal evaluation agenda. The committee selected 4 candidates, giving priority to PhD students and taking into account the diversity of requested mobilities. The total amount allocated for this call was €6,670.
2025 Awardees
Mohamed ABDILLAHI ROBLEH (CERD)
I’m Mohamed ABDILLAHI ROBLEH, and I work as a geological technician at the Centre d’Études et de Recherches de Djibouti (CERD), where I obtained my degree in 2022. Participating in the REESAA project through this academic mobility is a key stage in my professional and personal development. This opportunity allows me to acquire advanced knowledge in geological mapping and analysis, particularly thanks to hands-on training on the geological formations of Djibouti. The training also provides me with better understanding of sediment extraction and analysis for both archaeological and medical purposes, skills that are rarely taught in my region. Participating in REESAA also allows me to strengthen my network by meeting professionals in the field. Finally, REESAA enhances my interpersonal skills, scientific communication, and ability to collaborate. Personally, it also improves my adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are essential in both academic and professional settings.
Misganaw GEBREMICHALE WOLDETSADIK (PACEA)
I am Misganaw Gebremichael Woldetsadik, an Ethiopian doctoral student at the PACEA laboratory, University of Bordeaux, France.
My thesis research focuses on the Middle to Upper Pleistocene archaeology of Eastern Africa (500,000–10,000 BP), particularly in the Ethiopian Rift. This project aims to understand the patterns of technological and behavioral change in humans, and the impact of climatic and environmental changes on hominin lifeways. During my stay at the University of Bordeaux (PACEA lab), I will benefit from technical training on MSA lithic assemblages, microwear analysis, and the use of GIS tools to reconstruct ancient landscapes. The knowledge and methods I will acquire will help me contribute to understanding human adaptations to changing environments, and to train other Ethiopian students in these research areas.
Basile MANGIANTE (Université Paris Nanterre)
Université Paris Nanterre.
I’m a master’s student in anthropology at Université Paris Nanterre, working under the supervision of Anthony Stavrianakis (LESC) and Rémi Korman (CHJUS).
My research focuses on Rwandan memorial politics and reconciliation. More specifically, I’m interested in how local political organizations design memorial policies and promote social cohesion and citizen collaboration.
GDR Rift’s funding allows me to conduct fieldwork over six months, in partnership with local therapeutic collectives. This support will help me develop a thesis on how collective trauma therapy practices (like land reparations or commemoration days) relate to reconciliation. It also supports my interest in the psychological and symbolic implications of collective rituals.
I’m a doctoral student at PALEVOPRIM, University of Poitiers, in a joint program on paleobiogeography and paleology.
My research focuses on African great apes and early hominins. It aims to understand how environmental conditions shaped their evolution in Turkana (Kenya) and the Ethiopian Rift. By analyzing fossilized environments, sedimentary deposits, and geological contexts, I seek to reconstruct the ecological and geographical factors that influenced hominin evolution.
This mobility support will allow me to access key fossil collections and analytical tools not available in Ethiopia.
Research field: Paleontology, Paleobiology
Countries of activity: Ethiopia, Kenya
Reminder
The Mobility Support grant can be requested for study stays, training, or visits to colleagues. Funded expenses include missions (travel, lodging, meals) but must be justified (supporting documents required) by the end of 2025. The grant cannot be used for beneficiaries who haven’t submitted the required documents for their previous mobility.
Applicants must provide a final report (max 5 pages), including a summary and breakdown of expenses, and a short podcast. Those who haven’t submitted previous reports cannot apply for a new grant.
The GDR Scientific Committee
