Centre for African Studies Basel
With the foundation of the Centre for African Studies Basel in 2001, the University has created a platform for the exchange between disciplines, faculties and institutions. The ZASB coordinates and promotes Africa-related teaching and research at the University of Basel and its partner institutions. It offers a Master and a PhD in African Studies as consecutive university degrees, as well as a continuing education programme for professionals.
Interdisciplinary Reseach
In 2009 the University further promoted Africa-focused research with the establishment of a Competence Centre. In 2017, in the frame of the University's Africa Strategy, research on, in, with and for Africa became an independent field within the University's focal area "European and Global Studies". Boosted by the University's strong commitment, Basel has become a national and international centre for interdisciplinary African Studies. This development is rooted in a long research tradition in the region of Baesl. Our Centre benefits from a unique concentration of institutions and organisations with relation to Africa. Among our associate members are the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), the Museum of Cultures, Mission 21 and the Basler Afrika Bibliographien (BAB).
Teaching and Advanced Studies
Based on the competences of its members and partners, the ZASB introduced the interdisciplinary MA programme African Studies in 2002. Since 2011, PhD students at the ZASB have, alternatively to a PhD degree in any of the disciplines represented at the Centre, the option to enroll for a PhD degree in interdisciplinary African Studies. Since 2017, the Basel Graduate Network African Studies, which is supported by swissuniversities, offers the frame for the PhD training at the ZASB. In 2013, the ZASB introduced the further education course CAS in African Affairs and Intercultural Competence as an addition to theconsecutive study programmes.
Exchange on National and International Level
The promotion and support of exchange and collaboration with scholars and institutions on a national and international level is a key task of our Centre. We cooperate closely with the Swiss Society for African Studies (SSAS) in the fields of training, academic exchange and publications. The Centre is a member of the Africa-Europe Group of Interdisciplinary Studies (AEGIS) and has a partnership agreement with the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA).
Outreach and Continuing Education
Besides its academic activities, the Centre promotes the exchange between academia and the wider public. Its continuing education programme addresses professionals in private enterprises, public agencies, development cooperation and civil society. In addition, the ZASB reaches out to the public with publications and events for a wider audience and by promoting public and cultural events.