The ASCL Annual Report for 2024 is out now! In addition to an excellent list of publications by our researchers, you will find other highlights such as the move, after 35 years, to the Herta Mohr Building, impactful research projects that started in 2024, and the celebration of the 10th Stephen Ellis Annual Lecture.

To protest the discontinuation of the Research Master African Studies per 2027, as well as celebrate its intellectual strength, a team of alumni has produced an edited volume showcasing excellent theses written over the years. Post your own message or share memories on the 'Remembering' blog!

The wars in Eastern Congo and Sudan get little media attention, even though the latter is described as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. On 9 October, the ASCL will organise a panel discussion to discuss the obstacles and possible ways to increase media attention.

PhD candidate Carlien Donkor has won a grant from the British Museum’s Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP). She receives the grant for her project that documents the traditional stilt construction of the Nzulezo Community in Ghana.

The Kapsiki of Cameroon know him as Zra Kangacé, for others he is Wouter van Beek. From 1972 onwards Van Beek, retired research fellow at the ASCL, has done anthropological fieldwork among the Kapsiki and Higi (North Cameroon/North-Eastern Nigeria). Recently, Van Beek received a very special gift.

Submit your Africa-related master’s thesis for the Africa Thesis Award 2025, have it published and win €500! The Africa Thesis Award is an annual initiative by the African Studies Centre Leiden that recognises outstanding master’s theses on African topics.