PhD fellowship at the interface of humanities and social sciences and health – BREATH project (2026-2029)

This doctoral project explores the links between African migration, genetics, and public health, by focusing on chronic kidney disease (CKD), a major and growing global health burden. 

CKD affects 10 to 15% of the global population and is projected to become one of the leading causes of death by 2050. CKD is more prevalent among people of recent African ancestry, due to genetic risk factors such as those identified in the APOL1 gene. While this link is well-documented in the United States, data remain scarce in Europe and French-speaking West Africa, even though the latter exhibits the highest risk allele frequencies. By leveraging recent innovations in genetic diagnostics, this research aims to better understand the distribution of risks, their interactions with social, migratory, and health conditions, and the barriers to equitable access to care. The PhD is at the crossroads of genetics, social geography of health, and research on international migrations by adopting a transnational and interdisciplinary approach. The project will draw on multi-site biographical surveys conducted in France (Pays de la Loire region) and Senegal (Dakar region) with patients and their families to trace their health, care, and migration trajectories, while paying particular attention to family and intergenerational dynamics. Finally, the project aims to go beyond academic research by establishing an international prevention network, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, and civil society actors. This network will serve as a platform for disseminating accessible information on CKD, genetics, and prevention, thus contributing to more inclusive, equitable, and accessible healthcare tailored to the realities of African and Afro-descendant populations.  

Host laboratories in France 

  • « Space and societies », Angers University 
  • « Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology » (CR2TI), Nantes University. 

Supervision 

Application conditions 

  • The doctoral candidate must not have lived in France for more than one year in the last three years (before March 12, 2026) 
  • Must speak English and hold a Master’s degree 
  • Must not already hold a doctorate 
  • Application deadline: March 12, 2026 midnight 

Useful links 

 

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