The “Recalibrating Afrikanistik” (RecAf) initiative is extending an invitation to young researchers and lecturers in African Studies to apply for prestigious fellowships. These fellowships, available at several participating universities and institutions, provide a unique opportunity to develop or advance research projects in the field.
Participating Universities
The fellowship program is hosted at:
University of Bayreuth (Germany)
University of Naples ‘L’Orientale’ (Italy)
University of Leipzig (Germany)
Moi University (Kenya)
Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Federal University of Wukari (Nigeria)
Additionally, remote fellowships are available for those who may prefer or require a virtual format.
Fellowship Details
The fellowships span three to six months and are scheduled to take place between mid-2025 and mid-2026. RecAf fellowships are open to:
Doctoral students
Post-doctoral researchers at any stage of their careers
Advanced MA students
The program provides full funding, which includes:
Travel expenses
Accommodation
Daily allowances
Health insurance
Visa support
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit the following materials:
Cover Letter: A statement explaining how the proposed research aligns with the goals of “Recalibrating Afrikanistik.”
Research Outline: A detailed description of the research project (max. 800 words or two pages).
Academic CV: A summary of academic achievements and qualifications.
All documents should be combined into a single PDF file and submitted via the online application form. Applications can be submitted in English, German, French, or Kiswahili.
Deadline for Submission: December 31, 2024
Notification of Results: By March 31, 2025
About the RecAf Project
The “Recalibrating Afrikanistik” project is redefining the future of African Studies by promoting new approaches to the study of African languages, literatures, and media practices. The initiative emphasizes decentralizing academia by integrating southern epistemologies and critically examining existing methods of knowledge production.
The “Recalibrating Afrikanistik” (RecAf) project invites young researchers and lecturers working in the field of African Studies to apply for fellowships at the participating universities (University of Bayreuth (Germany), University of Naples ‘L’Orientale’ (Italy), University of Leipzig (Germany), Moi University (Kenya), Stellenbosch University (South Africa), Federal University of Wukari (Nigeria)), as well as ‘Remote Fellowships’.
RecAf offers fellowships lasting from three to six months. The fellowship should take place between mid-2025 and mid-2026. Eligible for the fellowships are doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers at all levels, as well as advanced MA students, who will be given the unique opportunity to work on or develop their own research project. Fellows are fully funded with a modest scholarship (travel, accommodation, daily allowance, health insurance, visa).
All applications/proposals should clearly reflect the applicant’s research profile and must demonstrate the candidate’s proposed contribution to the project ‘Recalibrating Afrikanistik’. The applicant should select the kind of fellowship (Classic or Remote), the preferred duration and thoroughly explain that choice as well as reflect on why the respective fellowship will be beneficial.
In case of Classic Fellowships, please specify which would be your preferred university for the fellowship and why. However, we reserve the right to advise on your choice, according to which context suits your proposal best. If you are unsure which university fits your project best, please check https://recaf.de/network for an overview of our project partners. Additionally, all fellows will be expected to report on the outcome(s) of their fellowship. The nature of this report will be determined by the mentor at the host university.
All proposals must clarify how the project addresses interdisciplinarity with African/Area Studies and show innovative potential for a Recalibrated Afrikanistik. The proposal should address one of the following themes:
language and text (in a broad sense) as knowledge practice
linguistic and textual practices (incl. orature, translation, media, popular culture) as access to heterogeneous and heterotopic bodies of knowledge
critical approaches to language and/or literature and verbal arts
Applications will be accepted in English, German, French, or Kiswahili.
Application deadline is 31 December 2024. Applicants will be notified by 31 March 2025.