Honorary Lecture and Memorial Event

Honorary Lecture: ‘African Studies in the Global Research debate: convergence of sociological, anthropological and health research’ by Professor Edward Kirumira on the occasion of being appointed as honorary doctorate at the University of Copenhagen.

Edward Kirumira is Professor of Medical Sociology and Anthropology, specialising in global health, reproductive health, and population studies. He is currently Director of the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in South Africa and has previously held senior positions at Makerere University in Uganda.

Abstract:

Since their inception, Centers for African Studies grapple with a fundamental question of whether they provide space for research on Africa, about Africa or with Africa in the global research debate. Secondly, they have had to deal with whether they should be seen as independent entities, entities within a university or national scholarly environment, or as an extension of a geopolitical agenda of Ministries of Foreign affairs. In some instances, governments have looked at them as training their diplomatic and civil services to deal with matters African. The Centres have also increasingly been questioned of their existence or relevance. These trends have not been linear nor mutually exclusive. What seems to carry through however, and has provided the core of their internal strength, is their character as a converging of disciplines, geographies, and a recognition and appreciation of distinct and often contested individual or collective positions and perspectives. An acceptance of incompleteness of thought.

In the Lecture, Edward Kirumira will reflect on these trends, the demands and the (mis)representations thereof from the standpoint of converging sociological, anthropological and health research. The extent to which Centres of African Studies enhance opportunities for establishing multidisciplinary connections, facilitate a more holistic and comprehensive approach to health research and inviting unbounded scholarship. Are they making their mark in influencing the global research agenda. How do we see the University of Copenhagen Centre of African Studies as a nurturing platform for a future generation of scholars ready to embrace combining in-depth contextual understanding with an eye for global challenges, making African perspective impactful in the global research debate.

The lecture will be followed by a memorial event for Holger Bernt Hansen and a reception.

Program:

15.15 – 16.00: Honorary lecture by Professor Edward Kirumira: African Studies in the Global Research debate: convergence of sociological, anthropological and health research

16.00 – 16.15: Break

16.15 – 17.00:  Remembering Professor Emeritus Holger Bernt Hansen and his legacy for CAS as a meeting place for Africanist scholars: With Honorary Doctor, Professor Edward Kirumira (STIAS, University of Stellenbosch), Professor Ben Jones (CAS/University of East Anglia), Profesor Sudan Reynolds Whyte (University of Copenhagen), and Professor Lisa Ann Richey (Copenhagen Business School).

17.00 – 17.30: Reception