Joseph Diing is a South Sudanese researcher with the Rift Valley Institute who has been involved in the XCEPT programme from its early stages. In this interview, he reflects on how the programme has shaped his research journey—introducing him to academic writing, exposing him to critical literature on borderlands, and encouraging him to explore themes like labour, migration and displacement.
He highlights the importance of local ownership in research, especially in fragile and hard-to-reach areas. Through XCEPT’s methodological training and mentoring, Joseph gained the tools to pursue fieldwork and support other early-career researchers. The flexibility of the programme allowed him to follow his interests, while still contributing to broader themes of peace, conflict and resilience.
Joseph also emphasises the value of the networks created through XCEPT. These networks have extended beyond formal trainings—connecting local and international researchers, supporting peer learning, and reaching new regions across South Sudan. By investing in young researchers and encouraging critical thinking, XCEPT is not just producing knowledge but building a generation of thinkers equipped to shape policy and local development.
