Our Vision & Mission
The Institute embraces a research agenda that is critical, reflexive, and aimed at transcending historically unequal relations of research and knowledge production.
Our Objectives
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
In 1990, with the participation of 23 chairs and professorships, the IAS was founded to sustainably promote African studies at the University of Bayreuth. African studies was declared a fundamental focus area as early as 1975 in the University's founding charter — establishing Bayreuth as a world-renowned centre for excellence in African studies.
The Institute nowadays also engages more with issues of diverse and geographically complex African diaspora.
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.