Louise Gerbier

Please tell us about your research project.

I am currently in the third year of my PhD in political science & Irish studies; I am affiliated with the Centre for Research on the English-speaking World (CREW, EA4399). My PhD is supervised by Pr. Fabrice Mourlon (Irish studies) and Pr. Daniel Mouchard (Political science). My research looks at the relationship between the physiological body and the body politic in the context of conflict – more precisely, during the Northern Irish conflict (1969-1998). I focus on three types of sources: interviews with participants to the conflict, which I conducted during the first year of my PhD; archives from British and Irish governmental institutions, particularly those pertaining to policing and negotiating; “live” commentary by activists, academics and journalists. This allows me to analyse the construction of perceptions and narratives of the conflict in the long run, while also broaching lived experiences and their material underpinnings.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

My stay at the Maison Française d’Oxford was made possible thanks to the scholarship offered by the Chancellerie des Universités de Paris, as I am a doctoral student at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris). The scholarship is offered through all the Écoles Doctorales in the universities that make up the Chancellerie: you must be selected by your alma mater after an internal application before being allowed to apply for the scholarship properly. The scholarship offers funding while I stay for a few months at the MFO, making the best of the Bodleian and its Special Collections, especially the Modern Political Papers – and it will also probably allow me to visit the National Archives in London again!

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

Oxford seems vibrant and busy! I am currently enjoying discovering the town and getting lost in the web of narrow, cobbled streets, while meeting new people and deciding where the best coffee can be found. Spires, college entrances and full-gown outfits are exactly as one can imagine, but the unexpected intertwining of “town and gown” is probably what I like best in my walks so far. My favourite part has to be the libraries. The Bodleian is so uniquely beautiful and vast, and the breadth of resources offered by the University is impressive!