Research

Co-led by Hassan II University of Casablanca (H2UC) and Aix-Marseille University (AMU), the Research WP aims to develop original research on the multiple and mutually reinforcing crises faced by both continents.

An important aspect of the Research WP in the PolyCIVIS project, is its aim to generate interdisciplinary new knowledge on the EU-Africa relations, and ensure the significant exchange between researchers and academics already affiliated with our network, and external experts.

The Research WP aims at enabling joint knowledge production and providing research instruments shaped by the network’s research questions and findings. As part of the creation of a cartography on the polycrisis, a dynamic Polycrisis database is currently being developed, with the aim to include multiple resources: articles, ongoing research, publications and relevant contacts of academics, policy makers and researchers whose work centers around the global polycrisis. 

In parallel, an edited volume, entitled «Facing polycrises together: a Euro-African perspective» will be created.

In the final year of the project, in 2026, WP2 co-leaders will organize a final conference in Aix-en-Provence.

PolyCIVIS Polycrisis Database: A Euro-African Knowledge Platform

As part of PolyCIVIS Research Work Package efforts, we have developed a comprehensive Polycrisis Database, now accessible via Zotero. This dynamic resource brings together more than 340 publications, offering a multidisciplinary and multilingual collection of academic and grey literature on polycrisis.

The accompanying report is structured into four key sections, covering:


Database: Aim, Scope, and Methodology

Database: Global Research on Polycrisis 

Database: Publications 

Database: COMMENTS 

By reading the report and accessing the database, you can gain a deeper understanding of how polycrisis is analyzed across different disciplines, institutions, and global contexts, particularly from European and African perspectives. Whether you're a researcher, educator, student, policymaker, or simply interested in global crises, this tool provides valuable insights to support learning, teaching, and decision-making.

Authors:

Fadma AIT MOUS (Université Hassan II de Casablanca)

Mauve CARBONELL (Aix-Marseille Université)

Sarah HASSNAOUI (PolyCIVIS Research Work Package Coordinator)

Access the Database 

Mission

PolyCIVIS’ Research WP has a mission to offer timely research and up to date analysis on key developments on polycrisis, in both Africa and Europe.

Vision

We are collaborating to foster a culture of open dialogue and mutual exchange in order to address some of the most pressing global challenges facing Europe and Africa due to the polycrisis. Our vision is to advocate for responsible, inclusive and interdisciplinary research as well as support collaboration across European and African educational institutions, academics and researchers.

Values

  • Connectivity: Reinforcing the exchange and connections with the network’s academic members and external experts will help develop an up to date research agenda,  on the basis of the existing research. 
  • Cross-disciplinary thinking: The polycrisis is driven and shaped by challenges in a number of spheres such as the global economy, climate change, health crisis, armed conflict in different locations across the world, forced immigration and many others. It is therefore paramount to encourage scholars, researchers and academics from different backgrounds, disciplines and geographic locations to bring their cross-disciplinary unique perspectives into the forefront.
  • Innovative Knowledge: The challenges we face due to the polycrisis require ground-breaking ideas, long term thinking, and sustainable solutions. The joint effort between our partners and external experts can be an important way to enable the production of innovative and high standard knowledge and research tools that can be put into practice . 
  • Regional focus: Embedding regional perspectives to our work is very important to make sure that we effectively support and strengthen research excellence coming from our diverse network of professionals