News

During its visit to the University of Bayreuth, a delegation of the Bavarian State Parliament explored the extensive work of the Institute of African Studies in general and the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence in particular. Engaging with researchers and students, the politicians gained insight into this innovative hub for African Studies at the University of Bayreuth where global partnerships, and artistic exchanges are shaping the future of interdisciplinary research.

On 6 March 2024, Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian State Parliament and a delegation of ... politicians of all parties, paid an official visit to the University of Bayreuth, highlighting the global relevance of African Studies and interdisciplinary research. The delegation's visit focused on the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence that was able to present its work and its affiliations with the Institute of African Studies at the University of Bayreuth. 

The visit commenced with a welcome and an official signing of the university’s Golden Book, followed by a presentation from University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible. He introduced the university’s longstanding commitment to African research, anchored in the Institute of African Studies (IAS), which has shaped the academic landscape for over 30 years.

Prof. Dr. Gabriele Sommer and Prof. Dr. Stefan Ouma presented the IAS as a hub for African and diaspora-related research, education, and international partnerships. As an umbrella institution, the IAS supports projects and programmes such as the Cluster of Excellence, the Iwalewahaus, afriZert, and the EIMAS master's programme.

The Iwalewahaus, with Europe’s largest collection of contemporary African art, was introduced by Sigrid Horsch-Albert. She explained that the centre not only hosts exhibitions and artist residencies but also fosters dialogue between cultures, with “Iwalewa”  – a Yoruba saying meaning “character is beauty” – at its core.

At the heart of the visit, however, was the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, presented by Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Seesemann. He explained that since its launch in 2019 as part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy, the Cluster has established a dynamic research network across four African universities. Its interdisciplinary approach has given rise to over 70 research projects, international fellowships, and global academic events. Two research projects showcased during the visit underscored the Cluster’s innovative focus. PD Dr. Gilbert Shang Ndi discussed “Black Atlantic Revisited”, which investigates memory cultures around the transatlantic slave trade through artistic and literary responses. Dr. Billian Otundo presented her study on multilingual educational spaces in Kenyan schools, exploring how local and global languages shape learning.

Further presentations highlighted afriZert, a certificate programme offering Africa-specific knowledge to students across Bavaria, and EIMAS, the Erasmus Mundus master’s programme “Global Africa”, which links universities in Portugal, Germany, France, and Africa.

Ilse Aigner and the rest of the delegation engaged in an open dialogue with researchers and students, expressing their appreciation for the university’s commitment to global perspectives and intercultural exchange. The visit concluded with a group photo and a shared sense of the importance of collaborative knowledge in shaping future relations between Europe and Africa.