On Friday, September 20, 2024, the conference room of ERAIFT hosted the public defense of the doctoral thesis titled "Taxonomy, Biology, Ecology, and Exploitation of Fish of the Genus Marcusenius Gull 1862 (Mormyridae) from Pool Malebo, Congo River." This thesis is the 23rd since the establishment of ERAIFT and the 20th since 2010. It was defended in presence and by videoconference by Mr NTUMBA MABEDI Jean-Métis, of Congolese nationality, before an international jury composed of professors from ERAIFT, the University of Liège, the University of Namur, the University of Burundi and the Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales (ISTM/Kinshasa). The thesis provided a better understanding of the taxonomy, biology, ecology and current exploitation of the genus Marcusenius Gull 1862 from the Melebo Pool in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Research perspectives were proposed to the researchers present during the defense, with the aim of improving taxonomic knowledge and the sustainable exploitation of fish in Pool Malebo. This thesis received the distinction of "great distinction" for its scientific quality. Additionally, it is worth noting that 24 doctoral candidates are currently undergoing training at ERAIFT.

ERAIFT thanks the Ministry of Higher Education and University for allowing it to organize the doctoral program. It also expresses its gratitude to the members of the jury for their commitment and support in evaluating this doctoral thesis. ERAIFT also thanks the University of Liège, the University of Namur, the University of Burundi, and ISTM Kinshasa for their collaboration.