Network on Europe-Africa Relations – Education and Research
Acronym: NEAR-ER
Abstract
NEAR-ER (Network on Europe-Africa Relations – Education and Research) brings together 20 HEIs from Europe (7) and Africa (13) with the shared goal of advancing a broad and well-informed conversation on EU-Africa relations by collecting, reviewing, debating, and disseminating innovative research and education materials. The network will establish a systematic process for collecting up-to-date and innovative materials that will empower our partners to deepen their own research and education agendas and promote well founded dialogue on EU-Africa relations with all relevant stakeholders.
NEAR-ER will benefit from (a) a multi-layer and integrated approach for data collection and peer review that considers local, regional, and global knowledge, both in Africa and Europe; (b) a multi-disciplinary group of scholars with extensive expertise in critical thematic areas, including trade and development, culture and identity, peace and security, migration and demographics, and digital and environmental transitions; and (c) mutual capacity building with a long-term legacy for higher-education in both continents.
The network will expand the collection, debate, and dissemination of research and educational resources amongst African and European partners via a carefully constructed set of work packages linked to concrete outputs. Our work plan for interaction and dissemination will offer a website with a regular blog, webinar and podcast series, an open-access edited volume, summer schools, and a regular electronic newsletter with innovative research and education tools on EU-Africa relations. It will generate new knowledge via network-wide discussions and surveys with students and experts in the shape of briefings and reports. In addition, NEAR-ER will enrich dialogues on EU-Africa relations with in person and online activities, including outreach events and flexible mobility opportunities for scholars in the network to enhance capacity for future research and educational projects.
Coordinator
KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
NSL partner
PI at NSL: Prof. Claire Bright
Start date: 01/12/2024
Duration: 36 months
Total Budget: 1.199.684€