During the Francophonie Summit held in Bucharest, the Romanian Government announced the establishment of a scholarship program named after Eugen Ionescu. This initiative focuses on providing opportunities for doctoral studies and post-doctoral research specifically for Francophone scholars enrolled at universities that are part of the University Agency of Francophonie.
Priority will be given to applications from the Francophone South, aiming to foster sustainable development in this region. Recipients of the scholarship will undergo training lasting between three to ten months at over 20 esteemed Romanian higher education institutions, recognized for their excellence across various disciplines.
The scholarships are awarded in fields of study that align with both the interests of Romanian universities and the developmental needs of the applicants' home countries. The selection process considers both the scientific merit of the applicants and the potential impact of their research on the development of their region.
These scholarships embody Article 35 of the Bucharest Declaration, which was adopted during the 11th Francophonie Summit and emphasizes the importance of developing a Francophone academic network in Central and Eastern Europe. The program is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Francophonie University Agency and has seen notable success since its inception.
The effective administration of the scholarships is overseen by the Francophonie University Agency, which is internationally acknowledged for its expertise in such programs. Through this initiative, Romania promotes a centralized and pragmatic approach to utilizing university resources throughout Central and Eastern Europe, leveraging the proficiency of the Francophonie University Agency.
These universities cover a wide range of disciplines, including sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences. The program allows scholars to contribute to and benefit from research collaborations with Romanian universities.