Home / About IDPP

About the Institute of Doctors of Philosophy and Professors

A non-profit Academic Association registered under the Laws of Zambia, dedicated to protecting the integrity of earned Doctorate Degrees and championing the role of advanced knowledge in national development.

Who We Are

The Institute of Doctors of Philosophy and Professors (IDPP) is a professionally registered association established to protect the interests of all persons who have academically earned and been awarded their Doctorate Degrees or Ph.D Degrees from recognized universities.

We are a Non-Profit Making Professional Association registered in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Zambian Constitution and Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia. Our main aim is to sensitize employers, academic institutions, the public, government and other relevant stakeholders including the private sector on the value and importance of education attained at Doctorate level and Professorship status.

This professional association ensures that holders of such professional qualifications are recognized, set apart and fully utilized for economic development. The Institution endeavors to collaborate on quality assurance with universities offering Doctorate Degrees to ensure that all such degrees are credible.

We aim to become a force, a valuable Think Tank and a Voice Organization for the academic community — specifically those holding Doctorate of Philosophy Degrees, which is the highest academic degree, and those with Professorial status at universities and in the world of work.

Vision

Serve as a reservoir of advanced knowledge, skills, talents and intellectual capital capable of providing independent, credible and evidence-based advice on matters of national, regional and global importance, including education, governance, economic development, science, technology, health, environment and social policy.

Mission

Contributing to economic development through value addition and effective utilization of mixed high-level expertise, competences, wisdom and knowledge as learned minds.

Motto

"Transformation. Wisdom and Legacy"

Values & Principles

Integrity

Being mindful of the ethical issues that surround the title of Doctor of Philosophy and upholding the highest standards of conduct.

Honesty

Promoting a culture of being upright, transparent and serving as a role model and mentor to others in the community.

Accountability

Being fully accountable for our actions and decisions as learned leaders, and taking responsibility for outcomes in our professional spheres.

Good Character

Always displaying good character and using the influence that comes with the title of Doctor in an appropriate and constructive manner.

Governance

IDPP is governed by a 14-member Executive Council supported by three functional committees — ensuring accountability, transparency and professional integrity in all operations. The Institute is registered under Article 21 of the Constitution of Zambia and Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia.

Governance Structure
IDPP governance and leadership

Objectives

Main Objectives

  1. 01

    Become a reservoir of knowledge, talents and skills — a Think Tank for economic development, able to give informed opinion on matters affecting the affairs of the Nation.

  2. 02

    Provide a platform for experts to share knowledge, collaborate on research projects and advance their fields of study.

  3. 03

    Offer opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement and staying current with the latest developments in members' specialized fields.

  4. 04

    Connect peers, potential collaborators and mentors — fostering a vibrant community of experts across disciplines.

  5. 05

    Bring together diverse expertise to tackle complex problems, drive innovation and develop solutions that benefit Zambia.

  6. 06

    Provide a collective voice for experts to inform policy decisions, advocate for their fields and promote evidence-based research and practice.

General Objectives

  1. 01

    Develop and maintain links with universities and professionals involved in training and awarding of Doctoral Degrees locally and internationally.

  2. 02

    Act in an advisory capacity to appropriate stakeholders including government bodies responsible for validation and equating of qualifications.

  3. 03

    Build capacity and offer training to members in research, consultancy management, technical report writing, leadership, ethics and entrepreneurship.

  4. 04

    Work with stakeholders such as trade unions to advocate for inclusion in conditions of service and appropriate entry points for Doctorate Degree holders.

  5. 05

    Safeguard the integrity of the Doctorate Degree qualification and ensure only those who have legitimately earned it carry the title of Doctor.

  6. 06

    Monitor and promote professionalism among members and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures in the case of erring members.

Key Result Areas

KRA 01

National & International Think Tank

Serve as a reservoir of advanced knowledge capable of providing independent, credible and evidence-based advice on matters of national, regional and global importance.

KRA 02

Evidence-Based Policy

Conduct and coordinate high-quality research, policy analysis and impact assessments. Produce policy briefs, white papers and advisory reports for government and institutions.

KRA 03

Research & Innovation

Encourage multidisciplinary research, applied problem-solving, innovation, technology transfer and commercialization of research outputs among members.

KRA 04

National Development Capacity

Provide expert consultancy, technical advisory services and strategic guidance to government ministries, public institutions and private sector based on scientific evidence.

KRA 05

Academic Integrity

Promote ethical conduct, academic honesty and quality assurance among holders of Doctorate and Professorship qualifications, safeguarding their credibility.

KRA 06

Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship

Bring together senior scholars, emerging researchers and young academics for knowledge exchange, mentorship, coaching, capacity building and leadership development.

KRA 07

Policy & Public Discourse

Participate in national and international dialogue through public lectures, media engagements, expert commentary, policy dialogues and stakeholder consultations.

KRA 08

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborate with universities, research institutions, professional bodies, government agencies and international organizations through MOUs to enhance impact.

KRA 09

Financial Sustainability

Establish sustainable income streams through membership subscriptions, consultancy, research grants, conferences, publications and strategic partnerships.

KRA 10

Visibility & Credibility

Position IDPP as a respected authority by publishing peer-reviewed journals, hosting high-level conferences and recognizing excellence through awards and fellowships.

KRA 11

Regional & Global Knowledge

Engage in international research networks and global policy platforms, ensuring African and Zambian perspectives contribute meaningfully to global debates and solutions.

Become a Member of IDPP

If you hold an earned Doctorate Degree or Professorship from a recognized university, IDPP is your professional home. Join Zambia's leading community of advanced knowledge holders and contribute to national development.