About Us

For more than 30 years now, the Institute of African Studies has been providing the foundation and framework for Africa- and African diaspora-related research and teaching at the University of Bayreuth. The institute is a reliable and recognized cooperation partner, both on an international and national level, as well as on a regional and local level.

As the central coordination point for the Africa and African diaspora focus at the University of Bayreuth, the IAS bundles and coordinates research and teaching in these domains, stimulates interdisciplinary research projects, supports Africa- and African diaspora-related third-party funding applications, and promotes cooperation with African universities and research institutions and those of its diverse and spatially extended diaspora.

The IAS also forms the institutional umbrella for all specifically Africa- and African diaspora-related institutions at the University of Bayreuth. These include the Iwalewahaus, the Cluster of Excellence “Africa Multiple”, as well as the “Research Centre for Africa” (FZA), which is currently being planned.

African studies is an important and interdisciplinary research focus at the University of Bayreuth. This was already manifested in the founding deed of the university in 1975 and confirmed in the current university development plan. Currently, the institute has more than 100 members, including around 50 professors.