PhD - Les sciences et recherches participatives (SRP) et l’ouverture à des collectifs en zone rurale et péri-urbaine en Lorraine Université de Lorraine in France

PhD opportunity at the University of Lorraine, France

This doctoral project examines sciences et recherches participatives (SRP), with a particular focus on how rural and peri-urban publics in Lorraine engage in hybrid research collectives. The thesis is hosted by the Centre de recherche sur les médiations (CREM) at the University of Lorraine and is embedded in the interdisciplinary CELEST programme on transitions. The work is closely linked to the development of a Boutique des Sciences in Lorraine, a mediation and intermediation device connecting civil society, research, and higher education around shared questions and co-produced knowledge.

The project investigates how participatory research is institutionalized, how different forms of participation are organized, and how publics outside major academic centers contribute to knowledge production. It pays particular attention to the diversity of actors involved in SRP—researchers, associations, third-sector research actors, citizens, and other stakeholders—and to the place of social sciences and humanities within these hybrid communities. The research aims to move beyond individual “data collection” models of participation and instead document collective engagement, co-construction, and the social and territorial conditions that shape participation.

Supervision: Mariannig Le Béchec, Professor at CREM, and Emmanuelle Simon, Maître de conférences at CREM, both at the University of Lorraine. Their expertise covers information and communication studies, open science, territorial practices, health mediation, and collaborative dynamics between institutions, associations, and users.

Research environment: The doctoral candidate will join the Praxis team within CREM, a major social sciences laboratory specializing in mediation, science-society relations, environmental communication, digital technologies, and public discourse. The project also contributes to CELEST, especially its sub-axis dedicated to the development of participatory research. Doctoral work will support mapping and analysis of participatory initiatives in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, and Vosges, as well as reflection on the implementation of the Boutique des Sciences.

Methods and topics: The planned methodology combines territorial mapping, comparative case studies, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. The doctoral research will develop 3–4 monographs of local initiatives, conduct around 35 interviews, and analyze how rural publics, associations, and scientific actors interact in science-society spaces beyond metropolitan centers. The thesis is designed to produce academically grounded, practice-oriented recommendations and to support co-writing and reflexive dissemination with local partners.

Funding and contract: This is a fully funded 36-month PhD position with a monthly gross salary of 2300 euros. The contract is expected to start in November 2026.

Eligibility highlights: Candidates should hold a Master 2 in the humanities and social sciences, preferably with experience or strong interest in qualitative and participatory research. Knowledge of qualitative survey methods is expected; prior exposure to research on science and knowledge production is an asset. French is the working language, and English is considered advantageous.

Application: Apply via ADUM using the University of Lorraine doctoral school portal. Required documents include a CV, cover letter, a detailed 2-page research proposal, master’s transcripts, and optional recommendation letters. An audition is scheduled for 21 September 2026 in Nancy or online.