‘A transformative experience’ – six months of research in Bristol

This placement came at a pivotal time in my doctoral journey and has enabled me to gain advanced skills, mentorship, and access to global knowledge networks in geohazards, particularly in landslide susceptibility assessment which comprises the final part of my PhD research.

I had already conducted fieldwork in Rwanda, collecting a landslide inventory dataset and identifying major contributing factors such as rainfall, slope cutting, and deforestation. However, I faced two main challenges: difficulties accessing remote areas during field data collection, and limited skills in landslide modeling techniques.

Under the guidance of Dr. Liz Holcombe and with the support of the University of Bristol’s research infrastructure, I was able to complete several technical and academic tasks as follows:

• Geospatial Data Processing in GIS: I compiled and processed multiple datasets related to landslide causative factors in the Kivu catchment using QGIS.
• Literature Review: I conducted a detailed literature review on landslide susceptibility modeling approaches, with a focus on studies from Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Modeling: I applied the AHP technique to prioritise landslide causative factors.
• Susceptibility Mapping Using the calculated AHP weightings: I reclassified raster layers in QGIS to reflect the relative influence of each factor on landslide occurrence.
• Report Writing and Thesis Drafting: I began drafting a detailed report outlining the methodology, data sources, and preliminary results. This document will form the basis for one of the core chapters in my PhD thesis. It will also be used to prepare a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal in the field of geohazards or environmental modeling.

Skills and knowledge

During this placement, I gained skills in GIS and Remote Sensing, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Scientific Writing, Data Management and Research Collaboration.

The placement has significantly advanced my technical capabilities and broadened my academic horizons. I now have a clearer understanding of landslide processes and the analytical tools needed to model them. These skills are directly applicable to my research and will strengthen my final PhD dissertation.

Professionally, the opportunity to engage with researchers at UoB has expanded my international academic network. Through my placement, my African Host University (UFHB) gains a researcher equipped with advanced knowledge in landslide risk modeling and GIS analysis. I will share the skills acquired through seminars, student mentorship, and collaborative research proposals.

The host university has benefited from the inclusion of real-world data from a Sub-Saharan African context in its research activities. My case study contributes to comparative research on climate-induced hazards and provides a unique perspective on community-based challenges in disaster risk management. Furthermore, my successful completion of the placement contributes to PASET’s goals of building a pipeline of high-level scientific talent in Africa. As a female scientist, I also represent progress in gender equity in STEM fields.

In conclusion

The placement at the University of Bristol has been a transformative experience in my PhD journey. It has empowered me with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and a renewed sense of purpose in addressing landslide risks in Rwanda. I am deeply grateful to the University of Bristol, my host supervisor Dr. Liz Holcombe, the RSIF Secretariat, and my African host university for making this experience possible. I look forward to applying the knowledge and tools I have gained to contribute meaningfully to disaster risk reduction efforts in my country and across the continent.

Thank you Ma-Lyse – we wish you all the best!