British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Working with Africa
Human and Social Science Research in Action
Working with Africa has long been a priority for the British Academy. Often it is science and technology which are seen as the key for future prosperity and survival but without the essential humanities and social science research to underpin these new advances and make sure they fit into communities and cultures, progress cannot and will not be made.
The British Academy booklet - Working with Africa: Human and Social Science and Research in Action (PDF file - 1571 KB) was formally launched on 3 March 2011. It brings to life the exciting humanities and social science research that is happening in the country thanks to funding from the British Academy amongst others.
The British Academy provides a variety of support for scholars working on and in Africa. It offers seed-corn funding to develop and work on new research ideas and inter-institutional links and provides opportunities for African-based researchers, and for UK researchers to work in Africa. Fascinating examples from this wide range of work are presented within the booklet., from research into 'bride price' in Uganda; to alcohol consumption in Kenya; and chronic food shortages in Malawi. Funded work which, no matter how small, has made a difference.
Hard copies of the booklet are available and can be requested from africa@britac.ac.uk
Nairobi Report
The Nairobi Report: Frameworks for UK-Africa Research Collaboration in the Humanities and Social Sciences presents a series of recommendations for improving research collaboration with Africa. It is available to download for free here
International Partnerships
The British Academy's International Partnerships scheme is intended to support ongoing links between institutions in the UK and Africa. A round is currently open with a closing date of 30 March 2011. For further details please visit the scheme website.
The Africa Desk
The Africa Desk is a portal for Africanist scholars in the UK and Africa, which aims to support collaboration in humanities and social sciences research. It can be accessed at www.africadesk.ac.uk