Welcome to the Institute of African Studies (IAS)

The regional research focus on Africa was established when the University of Bayreuth was founded in 1975. Today, under the name “African Studies”, it comprises the entirety of Africa- and African diaspora-related research and training activities carried out by Bayreuth scholars from forty different subject areas including cultural studies, linguistics, economics, law, geosciences, biosciences, food, health and nutrition, and engineering. All Africa- and African diaspora-related activities at the University of Bayreuth are coordinated by the Institute of African Studies.

Since 2019, the Cluster of Excellence "Africa Multiple: Reconfiguring African Studies" has been the new flagship of the IAS. The cluster sees itself as a transformative space for the systematic further development of African studies through innovative transdisciplinary research together with strong partner universities in Africa. ...more

In the Iwalewahaus, founded in 1981, contemporary African culture is documented, researched, and taught. One focus is on modern African art and music, everyday culture, and media. …more