The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) in Sharjah has announced its 2025 cohort of Senior and Postdoctoral fellows. During their residency, these scholars will pursue research across African diaspora literature, visual culture, political theory, and social and cultural studies, contributing to the production of globally relevant knowledge.
This year’s awardees include:
Named for Moroccan sociologist and feminist writer Fatema Mernissi, this fellowship supports research in social and cultural studies. Vuninga, formerly at the University of Cape Town, will develop a monograph and publish articles on Congolese homeland politics, migration, and identity networks in South Africa. Read full profile.
Named for Nigerian curator and art historian Okwui Enwezor, this fellowship recognizes excellence in visual and critical studies. Wright, an independent curator and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, is developing What’s Art Got to Do With It?, a participatory art project that explores migration, belonging, and efforts to decolonize cultural institutions across European African diaspora communities. Read full profile.
This fellowship honors Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison and supports advanced research in African diaspora literature. Denard, founder and board chair of the Toni Morrison Society, will complete her book Bearing Witness: Culture and Meaning in Toni Morrison’s Fiction. Read full profile.
Named for Kenyan political scientist Ali A. Mazrui, this fellowship promotes global African studies. Demisse, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University, will examine Ethiopian intellectuals’ engagement with African identity and internationalism. Read full profile.
Also named for Ali A. Mazrui, Behnaz Mirzai, Full Professor of Middle Eastern History at Brock University, is developing research on cultural and artistic identity among African diasporic communities in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean. Read full profile.
The 2025 fellows bring a wide range of expertise and perspectives to The Africa Institute, reflecting the institution’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and the production of knowledge that engages with pressing global and regional issues.
Learn more about our Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships.
The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) in Sharjah has announced its 2025 cohort of Senior and Postdoctoral fellows. During their residency, these scholars will pursue research across African diaspora literature, visual culture, political theory, and social and cultural studies, contributing to the production of globally relevant knowledge.
The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU) in Sharjah has announced its 2025 cohort of Senior and Postdoctoral fellows. During their residency, these scholars will pursue research across African diaspora literature, visual culture, political theory, and social and cultural studies, contributing to the production of globally relevant knowledge.
This year’s awardees include:
Named for Moroccan sociologist and feminist writer Fatema Mernissi, this fellowship supports research in social and cultural studies. Vuninga, formerly at the University of Cape Town, will develop a monograph and publish articles on Congolese homeland politics, migration, and identity networks in South Africa. Read full profile.
Named for Nigerian curator and art historian Okwui Enwezor, this fellowship recognizes excellence in visual and critical studies. Wright, an independent curator and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, is developing What’s Art Got to Do With It?, a participatory art project that explores migration, belonging, and efforts to decolonize cultural institutions across European African diaspora communities. Read full profile.
This fellowship honors Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison and supports advanced research in African diaspora literature. Denard, founder and board chair of the Toni Morrison Society, will complete her book Bearing Witness: Culture and Meaning in Toni Morrison’s Fiction. Read full profile.
Named for Kenyan political scientist Ali A. Mazrui, this fellowship promotes global African studies. Demisse, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University, will examine Ethiopian intellectuals’ engagement with African identity and internationalism. Read full profile.
Also named for Ali A. Mazrui, Behnaz Mirzai, Full Professor of Middle Eastern History at Brock University, is developing research on cultural and artistic identity among African diasporic communities in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean. Read full profile.
The 2025 fellows bring a wide range of expertise and perspectives to The Africa Institute, reflecting the institution’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and the production of knowledge that engages with pressing global and regional issues.
Learn more about our Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Subscribe to our mailing list and get the latest news from The Africa Institute
