Systemic researching

For part of last week I was with a group of 30 delightful PhD researchers participating in the 10th anniversary version of INRA-SAD's internal PhD program (10th Journees des Doctorants du SAD "Parcours de these") held in St Martin de Londres, north of Montpelier.

It was a rewarding time, as it always is when young researchers are offered a reflexive space to consider what it is they do when they do, or claim they do, research.

Patrick Steyaert and his SAD co-animators have developed an excellent program, worthy of celebration after 10 years. I was also lucky to be able to join in the celebrations held for the retirement of Bernadette Leclerc, a key figure in the program, who I have known since the time she so ably supported the production of our book 'Cow up a Tree',  published by INRA.

LEARN. eds (2000) Cow up a Tree. Knowing and Learning for Change in Agriculture. Case Studies from Industrialised Countries.  INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique) Editions, Paris.