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ANU Africa Network
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This website was established in 2013 by David Lucas, and renovated and relaunched in 2020 as part of a project to increase awareness of Africa and African studies in the ANU and the ACT, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Another outcome of that project was a major research report, published in August 2021, African Studies at the Australian National University and in the Australian Capital Territory, analyzing the past, present and future of the study of Africa at the Australian National University and the wider Australian University sector.
The major innovation on this updated website is the creation of the ACT Africa Expert Directory which lists experts on Africa from institutions around the ACT, primarily the ANU. We will continue to curate this list, offering a key resource for media, government and non-government organizations seeking expert facts and opinions on Africa. Individuals can request to be added to the list by contacting the website managers.
Another notable addition is the expanded directory of PhD theses on Africa produced in the territory’s universities, a solid measure of the vitality of the study of Africa in the city of Canberra.
Reviewing these directories, it is revealing to note that the vast majority of research on Africa is produced by disciplinary experts (environmental scientists, economists, demographers, etc.) rather than area studies experts. This means that the study of Africa is woven into the fabric of the research culture of the ANU and the ACT’s other universities in ways that are not necessarily apparent.
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Jack Caldwell and African Studies at ANU
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Jack Caldwell’s memorial service was held on May 25th
(appropriately this was Africa Day) at University House.In his May Upddate at https://bit.ly/VCBlog30May
the Vice-Chancellor wrote
“We also celebrated the life of Professor John Caldwell, Head of the University’s internationally-renowned Department of Demography from 1970 to 1988. Jack, as he was known to his colleagues and friends, had an incredibly close relationship with Africa and its people. His legacy will continue through the expansive network of ANU demographers spread across the African continent today.”This elicited two comments:Comment by Robyn Lucas
12.30pm 2 Jun 2016“As noted, Professor John Caldwell was Head of the University’s internationally-renowned Department of Demography from 1970 to 1988. Jack was also a key player in establishing the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health and was Associated Director from 1988 until his retirement from NCEPH and the ANU in 1995. During his time at NCEPH, Jack built links between NCEPH and the School of Demography and ensured that demography was a key part of the multi-disciplinary research that characterises NCEPH. The John C Caldwell Fellowship, administered by NCEPH, is awarded annually for an African researcher to spend time at ANU, developing collaborations with researchers at NCEPH and the School of Demography.”
Comment by David Lucas
10.45am 6 Jun 2016“The second Caldwell Fellow, from Kenya, has just completed a successful visit to the ANU, but otherwise African Studies at the University need re-vitalising. The Caldwell Chair in Population, Health and Development ceased to exist in 2013. Professor Stocklmayer, distinguished for her work in science education in Africa, retired this year. Apparently because of a lack of interest by the Crawford School, ANU will no longer co-host the annual Australian Africa Conference, funded by DFAT.”
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“Wild science: Conservation biology in South Africa’s national parks 1900-2000”
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Jane Carruthers, Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, has published extensively on the history of conservation and science.
Date: Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Time: 4pm
Venue: McDonald Room, Menzies Library, Fellows Road, Australian National University
Joint Seminar with the Fenner School of Environment and Society (CMBE, ANU), sponsored by the South African High Commission. This event will be followed by a reception.
‘After a broad overview of the changing directions in conservation science in South Africa’s national parks during the 20th century, I will focus on a case study that combines many elements of that history and demonstrates its complexity. In the 1970s the question of controlling what were considered to be ‘’locally over abundant’’ species in protected areas sparked international deliberation among scientists and wildlife managers. This debate continues to resonate and illuminates clearly how ideas about nature are enmeshed in societal values rather than being based on science alone.’
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EDUCATING AFRICANS IN AUSTRALIA
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PARKING IS IN LIVERSIDGE STREET. IF YOU PARK OPPOSITE CANBERRA HOUSE (BUILDING 73) TURN RIGHT WHEN YOU EXIT THE CAR PARK AND WALK DOWN TO BUILDING 132.
AT THE BUILDING 132 SIGN WALK PAST THE CIRCULAR DRIVE AND PAST THE STONE BALLS AND DOWN THE STEPS.
Presenters will be Matthew Neuhaus (DFAT) , Margaret O’Callaghan: (Crawford School), Joshua Kakundi (East Africa), Gboyega Adeniran (West Africa), Zanele Kunene (Southern Africa), Lele Maqelepo (Southern Africa)
EDUCATING AFRICANS IN AUSTRALIA
A Panel Discussion on the above topic will be held on Tuesday, May 24th, from 5.30 to around 6.30pm, followed by questions until 7pm when refreshments will be served.
Venue: Barton Theatre, JG Crawford Building 132, Lennox Crossing, ANU
The panel will focus on the costs and benefits of training Africans in Australia, and on challenges faced by students before, during and after training.
Further details will be available nearer the date and will be posted at https://africanetwork.weblogs.anu.edu.au/
The event is facilitated by the ANU African Students’ Association(ANUSA) and sponsored by the ANU College of Asian and Pacific Studies and the African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP)
Enquiries to:
David Lucas david.lucas@anu.edu.au Mobile 0404 860 210
Joshua Kakundi jmkakundi@gmail.com Mobile 0449 998 945