Novel PhD Track in Neuropsychology in Rwanda with Prof. Dr. Emilie Caspar

Thanks to the ERC Starting Grant DISOBEY, led by Prof. Dr. Emilie Caspar (PP02, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences), a new PhD track in neuropsychology has been initiated at the University of Rwanda.

Developing this track in neuropsychology is crucial for understanding the long-term cognitive effects of the genocide and to offer revalidation programs in the future. The extreme trauma experienced by survivors may have profound impacts on cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. However, such a track did not previously exist in Rwanda, and this official joint PhD program marks a significant step toward developing neuropsychology in the country.

Ms. Pauline Atete will be co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Emilie Caspar and Prof. Vincent Sezibera (University of Rwanda) during a 3-year PhD program, which includes a 6-month research stay at Ghent University. Ms. Atete will adapt the African Neuropsychological Battery to the Rwandan context and study the impact of the genocide on various cognitive processes in both direct survivors, former perpetrators, and their descendants.