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Institute of African Studies

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Our Vision & Mission

We embrace a critical, reflexive research, teaching, and outreach agenda aimed at transcending historically unequal relations of research and knowledge production.

Our Objectives

The promotion of interdisciplinary research projects in the field of Africa- and African diaspora-related research
The promotion and mentoring of young talent
The sustainable and equal cooperation with African partners and partners from the African diaspora
The availability of a forum for exchange between the university and stakeholders from government, civil society, media, culture, politics and business
The ability to offer a well-founded and differentiated picture of African realities in all relevant matters
The nurturing of a reflexive institutional culture that fights all forms of racism and discrimination
IAS Logo – Funtunfunefu denkyemfunefu
Funtunfunefu denkyemfunefu

The logo of the Institute of African Studies (IAS) stands for unity despite diversity. The symbol originates from Ghana and represents Siamese crocodiles that share a stomach but strive for food separately.

Our History

African Studies was declared a fundemental focus area in the University’s founding charter in 1975, establishing Bayreuth as a world-renowned centre for excellence in African studies. In 1990, the IAS was founded to further institutionalise this focus with the participation of 23 professorships.

The Institute nowadays also engages more with issues of diverse and geographically complex African diaspora.

Est. 1990 7 Faculties ~100 Researchers

United in Diversity

The IAS now coordinates teaching and research related to Africa and the diverse and geographically equally complex African diaspora in all seven faculties and promotes the relevant commitment of almost 100 professors, young researchers, and international guests.

✦ United in Diversity

Two crocodiles, one stomach — the symbol at the heart of the IAS reminds us that despite different paths, we share a common purpose: advancing knowledge about Africa and its diaspora in a spirit of equality and mutual respect.


Webmaster: IAS-Coordinator

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