Dr. Vendelin Tarmo Simon

Dr. Vendelin Tarmo Simon is the head of the Anthropology Unit at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), prepared this report to build on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Tanzania, and Bayreuth University, Germany. For the past three years, the two institutions have maintained this MoU, which has promoted academic collaboration through staff and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and shared academic programmes, particularly within Anthropology, Sociology, and African Studies.

Dr. Simon undertook a one-month academic exchange visit, fully funded by the Centre for African Studies at Bayreuth University, between 1st and 30th June 2025. The visit was arranged in discussion with Prof. Jia Hua from the Department of Anthropology at Bayreuth University. During this period, Dr. Simon received generous logistical and administrative support from Prof. Jia Hua, Dr. Malick Faye (Academic Coordinator, Institute of African Studies – IAS), and Daniela (administrative assistant, IAS), whose contributions played a crucial role in the success of the trip.

The main purpose of the visit was to discuss the status of the signed and expired MoU following the departure of Prof. Andrea Beherends from Bayreuth and to establish new terms under the leadership of Prof. Jia Hua, who had assumed responsibility for its implementation. Additional aims included reinforcing institutional collaboration, initiating new academic and research activities, and following up on key items from the expired MoU between UDSM and Bayreuth University. Specific objectives of the visit involved drafting a joint research proposal, initiating a collaborative publication, revisiting and negotiating the potential renewal of the MoU, and facilitating student exchange arrangements.

The academic exchange visit proved highly productive and impactful. It strengthened institutional ties, expanded mobility opportunities, and fostered collaborative research development. Moreover, it laid a strong foundation for several important initiatives, including the renewal of the MoU, joint publications, and new project proposals.