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The delegation of scholars who presented the new Cluster of Excellence's vision in front of the DFG.

The process of applying for the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence was completed by a presentation by a Cluster delegation in front of a review panel of the DFG in Bonn.

On 19 November 2024, the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth presented its renewal proposal for the 2026-2032 funding period at the premises of the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Bonn. 14 scholars from the Cluster of Excellence and the President of the University of Bayreuth, Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible, laid out the new vision for ‘Africa Multiple 2.0’ to the review panel appointed by the DFG. The proposal had already been submitted to the DFG in August. The new agenda for the Cluster of Excellence is designed to expand the interdisciplinary and transcontinental research collaboration with partners on the African continent and South America, thus taking the reconfiguration of African Studies to new levels. Following its successful work in the past six years, which saw the establishment of the Africa Multiple Cluster as Germany's leading institution in the field of African studies, the renewal application aims to strengthen the collaborative structures with African partner institutions and create even more synergies by conducting joint research to explore Africa’s position in a ‘world multiple’ through the shared thematic lens of world-making.

Interdisciplinary and transnational collaboration as a hallmark

Established at the University of Bayreuth in 2019 under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Seesemann, the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence focuses on the heterogeneous and mutually influential African life-worlds as they emerge in relational processes. By analysing the social and cultural multiplicity of Africa and its diasporas, the Cluster’s research has given new impetus to the field of African Studies, as reflected in its numerous innovative research projects, interdisciplinary approaches and transnational collaborative initiatives.

The Cluster’s renewal application builds on the successful work during the first funding phase, but aims to expand the previous achievements by developing new research topics, optimising the research infrastructure, and strengthening its international partnerships. Particularly in view of ever-increasing global connections and the growing relevance of Africa in international politics and business, the importance of understanding and promoting the African continent as a source of knowledge and innovation cannot be overestimated.

Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Seesemann, spokesperson of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, explains: “The submission of our renewal proposal in the Cluster of Excellence funding line is another milestone in establishing the University of Bayreuth as a globally leading centre in the field of African Studies. My gratitude goes to all those who contributed to preparing and presenting our renewal proposal over the past few months. I am very proud of this extraordinary achievement and the outstanding commitment of all Cluster members involved.”

The funding decision on future Clusters of Excellence from 2026 onwards will be announced by the DFG on 22 May 2025.