African Studies Network

The recent G8 summit and the surrounding Live 8 concerts have drawn attention to the many problems faced by African nations and there people in the 21 st Century. Nevertheless, those of us working on African issues often feel that the study of Africa is marginalised in many academic disciplines. The University of Manchester has no degree programme in African Studies, and there is no academic centre in the North West devoted specifically to the interdisciplinary study of Africa . There are however a number of academics working at the University of Manchester and at other universities in the region who specialise in the continent. Furthermore, the new University of Manchester is keen to encourage interdisciplinary research links. With this in mind the Virtual Centre for African Studies has been established an informal research support network for Africanists.

Aims and Objectives

To bring together researchers from across the North West with interests in Africa to share expertise, exchange ideas and generate a vibrant research culture in which African issues are at the top of the agenda.

Proposed Activities

The primary activity of the centre will be regular monthly meetings of a reading/discussion group, in which individuals can pre-circulate work in progress to be discussed by the group in the meetings or alternatively the group can discuss important texts published in the field. In addition to this, external guest speakers will be invited to present papers at special meetings of the group. Finally this website will act as a contact point for the Africanists in Manchester and across the region. The website by providing contact details of all academics who are linked to the centre as a well as a comprehensive list of their research interests and activities. It will also be a place where details of events of interest to Africanists can be publicised.