The future PhDs trained at the Pacific Doctoral School (EDP) represent the future of research and innovation in Fenua!
Joint Accredidation
The Pacific Doctoral School (EDP) has been accredited since 2008 by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Research under identification number ED469.
It is a joint initiative of two universities that jointly manage it and share strategic directions defined together in accordance with national standards for doctoral training:
the University of French Polynesia – UPF – www.upf.pf
the University of New Caledonia – UNC – www.univ-nc.nc
Multidisciplinary
The Pacific Doctoral School (EDP) is the institution that trains and supports future doctoral candidates in both French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
Within the Polynesian branch of the Pacific Doctoral School, doctoral students focus closely on issues of concern to Polynesians across a variety of fields: energy, social sciences, biology and ecology of tropical island environments, education sciences, linguistics, archaeology, history, and more.
At the intersection of the challenges faced by Pacific island territories, the research conducted at the EDP is multidisciplinary, practical, and particularly focused on Polynesian issues, though not limited to them.
Thus, some sixty future researchers, supervised by
Renowned scientists in their respective fields are seeking solutions to contribute to the sustainable development of French Polynesia—both socially and environmentally—and, more broadly, to shed light on the mechanisms that shape the world in which we live.
Digital
It is called “digital” because it uses remote communication tools for its courses: videoconferencing, the internet, the Espadon digital campus, etc.
High Potential
It offers students research opportunities stemming from multiple partnerships with:
research organizations based in French Polynesia and New Caledonia,
research teams from institutions in the Pacific region,
research teams from mainland France or Europe.
Administration
The school is administered alternately by UPF and UNC.
Currently, the director is Prof. Franck LUCAS (UPF) and the co-director is Prof. Jean-Marc BOYER (UNC).
Council of the Pacific Doctoral School
The Pacific Doctoral School also has a Doctoral School Council. This council decides on matters concerning the organization and operation of the doctoral school:
- in particular, it manages the allocation of financial aid and the distribution of research grants
- it defines the criteria for awarding such aid and grants. It establishes a system for monitoring doctoral students
- ensures compliance with the principles of the institution’s thesis
- charteris composed of faculty members elected to the Scientific Council and laboratory directors, as well as representatives of doctoral students, BIATSS staff, and external figures
Files to download:
Council of the Pacific Doctoral School (UPF)
EDP Bylaws approved by the CED in February 2026
“PhD Fa’atoro” Doctoral Student Association
The presidency of the doctoral student association is held by Marotea VITRAC
maroteav@gmail.com
