Details

The 8^th edition of the Swiss Researching Africa Days will take place on 25−26 October 2024 at the Institute for Social Anthropology, University of Bern. The biennial Swiss Researching Africa Days are held alternating with the international thematic conferences of the Swiss Society for African Studies. They are open to all disciplines representing African Studies. The objective of the meeting is to promote the exchange among the community of researchers working on Africa in Switzerland. Its goals are to

• present current research projects of MA- and doctoral students, post-docs and senior scholars;

• enhance the circulation of relevant information between these actors and the respective institutions;

• offer a platform for synergies and collaboration;

• enhance the visibility of African Studies in Switzerland, the universities and research institutions;

• promote the institutionalisation of African Studies.

General theme “Sustainability and Transformation”

The Swiss Society for African Studies celebrates its 50^th anniversary. In this context, the two concepts, sustainability and transformations, may be understood broadly and can be addressed from all angles and points of view. For instance, they may be discussed in relation with institutions, practices, policies, disciplines, and research areas. In order to ensure adequate representation of all subject areas and activities, we accept proposals outside the general theme.

Call for panels

The organizers invite proposals for panels of 90 minutes’ duration. Panel proposals include a text to be used for the call for papers (¹/₃ page), name, e-mail address and institutional affiliation/function of the convenor(s). As a rule, the composition of the panels shall be open but you may indicate potential participants. We encourage panels organized by and composed of researchers from different Swiss universities, research groups and stages of the academic career. The organisation and funding of the travel of international participants is the responsibility of the panel convenors. On application, the conference organizers can take charge of a part of the effective costs of travel.

Timeline

12 April 2024 Deadline for submission of panel proposals by email to didier.peclard(at)unige.ch 

6 May 2024 Confirmation of the panel selection and call for papers

15 June 2024 Deadline for submission of paper proposals

9 September 2024 Publication of the detailed program and registration of participants

General assembly of the SSAS/SGAS/SSEA

The 50^th general assembly of the society will be held in the framework of the Swiss Researching Africa Days on Friday evening 25 October 2024.

Organisation

For the Board of the SSAS: Didier Péclard, Tobias Haller, and Veit Arlt

For the Institute of Social Anthropology, University of Berne: Tobias Haller