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Call: ASAUK Conference 2018

11-13 September, University of Birmingham

The ASAUK 2018 conference will celebrate the diversity and interdisciplinarity of the study of Africa. 

The University of Birmingham’s campus provides the perfect backdrop for the next ASAUK conference. The Department of African Studies and Anthropology (formerly known as the Centre of West African Studies) was  founded in 1963 by J. D. Fage, pioneer in African Studies, and has over 50 years of experience and expertise in research and teaching about the continent. It also houses the Danford collection, a priceless and unique collection of African artifacts and cultural products.

The conference hub will be the Great Hall in the Aston Webb building. With an elegant entrance space, marvelous domed ceiling and an opulent marble foyer and rotunda, this breathtaking venue will be the awe-inspiring backdrop for the conference registration and formal dinner.

The ASAUK 2016 conference at the University of Cambridge attracted over 650 delegates from different academic disciplines and parts of the world. With 202 panels, the programme was extraordinarily rich and varied and resulted in engaged collaboration across the different disciplines that encompass the study of Africa.

For the 2018 edition we currently already have 55 committed streams on a range of topics that will surely attract interest from a broad range of stakeholders and delegates. You can Download a pdf of all the streams here or you can visit the designated space on the website (http://www.asauk.net/activity/streams-asauk-2018/).  In addition to the traditional conference form, workshops, round tables and cultural events will be an integral part of this conference.

The keynote speaker is Professor Grace Musila, associate professor in the English Department, Stellenbosch University and author of A Death Retold in Truth and Rumour. Kenya, Britain and the Julie Ward Murder (James Currey/Boydell & Brewer, 2015).

The conference is a key event for scholars working on and in Africa. At the conference, the ASAUK will recognise and celebrate outstanding scholarship and contributions to the study of Africa with the Audrey Richards Prize for best doctoral thesis in African Studies successfully examined in a British institution of higher education during 2016-2017. (http://www.asauk.net/audrey-richards-prize-for-the-best-doctoral-thesis-in-african-studies/) The Fage and Oliver monograph prize for best scholarly monograph on Africa published (or translated into English) and distributed in the United Kingdom. (http://www.asauk.net/the-fage-and-oliver-prize/) The Distinguished Africanist Award for an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the field of African studies.  (http://www.asauk.net/news/awards/asauk-distinguished-africanist-award/ ) The ASAUK will also award several scholarships to the conference to up and coming African academics.

This conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with hundreds of Africanists, academics with a particular interest in the continent, development specialists, policy makers and others. The organisers are committed to engaging with participants through an energising and informative programme, and facilitating networking opportunities via two dynamic social events.

For more information on registering, submitting a paper or panel, or catering and accommodation please see the different pages under the ASAUK 2018 tab in the navigation bar of the website.

Registration for the ASAUK 2018 conference will be open through 22 July 2018. Current ASAUK members are able to register at their applicable member rate (below). Student and African scholars are also able to register on reduced prices. Non-members of the ASAUK can choose to register at a non-member rate, or choose to become members first. Please note that becoming a member before the conference is a more cost-effective option. For more information on becoming a member and the benefits please follow this link: http://www.asauk.net/how-to-become-a-member-of-the-asauk/

The early bird rates below will be maintained until 01 June 2018. After that date the price is expected to increase by £20. Once registration closes, you may still register on-site at this elevated rate. Day rates are also available at 80% of the full conference registration fee.