Welcome to BIGSAS

The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) is part of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence funded by the German Research Foundation in the framework of the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments. In the focus of this unique structure of creative and innovative training are approximately 80 doctoral candidates, the Junior Fellows, from more than 25 African, American, Asian and European countries.

The Junior Fellows benefit from a clearly structured, academic and career-oriented training as well as a genuine expertise in the African studies which has increased continuously since the foundation of the University of Bayreuth.

The international network with Partner Universities on the African continent creates even more so excellent conditions for the research of the Junior Fellows.

Members of BIGSAS

Looking to see if BIGSAS fits your planned research project? Take a look at our Members and Associated Members and their respective fields of interest!

Application

Check our application requirements and take a look at the FAQs regarding the application process.

Press Room

Explore various articles, photos and videos relating to our work and the work of our doctoral students.

Contact

Get in touch? Take a look at how to best reach us via phone or email. A bit more personal? Visit us in our office!

Miscellaneous

Mourning our dear colleague Richard Ugochukwu Anyah

Our dear colleague Richard Ugochukwu Anyah, PhD candidate within the Africa Multiple Excellence Cluster, University of Bayreuth, and the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies, BIGSAS, unexpectedly passed away last week at 30 years of age. Like so many friends and colleagues during this time, we are devastated. Just a short week or two ago, we could never have imagined finding ourselves in such a situation.

​Richard Ugochukwu Anyah was meant to present initial findings from his research project in the area of Liberian heritage studies to an audience at the VAD 2022. His inquisitive, kind, humorous character will be duly missed. Our thoughts are with the family.

Dates of the SC and the EC

Find the dates of the next meetings of the Steering Committee and the Executive Committee here.

The BIGSAS blog

Our blog "The BIGSAS world" is an opportunity to present research projects in an interactive way, to share own experiences during the doctorate, and to introduce our international "BIGSAS family". Read more here.

Latest issue of BIGSASworks!

Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers Vol. 27 (2021) "Fieldwork Experiences and Practices in Africa", edited by Nikitta Dede Adjirakor, Oladapo Opeyemi Ajayi, Hanza Diman, and Mingqing Yuan.

International Club

Find more information about their activities here.

BIGSAS FC

Find out more about the football team of BIGSAS here.