Remembering Research Realities: Celebrating the Research Master’s African Studies, Leiden University

Following nationwide budget cuts in higher education, the Research Master African Studies (ResMAAS) at Leiden University will be discontinued in 2027. This flagship study programme has been offered by the ASCL at Leiden University for twenty years. To protest the discontinuation, as well as celebrate its intellectual strength, a team of alumni has produced an edited volume (open access soon!) showcasing excellent research master theses written over the years. 

The editors highlight the ResMAAS’ academic rigour, intellectual strengths, and valuable contributions to science and society, that will be withheld from future generations. Nine individual chapters represent the variety of high-quality ResMAAS theses over the years. The editors aim for this book to be three things at once: a protest against, an obituary of, and a homage to the intellectual depth of the ResMAAS that has brought so many insights, and so much inspiration and joy. 

The book contains a postscript by Prof. Lungisile Ntsebeza (University of Cape Town), who holds an Honorary Doctorate from Leiden University. The cover was designed by Iorver Ikeseh, also a ResMAAS alumnus.

► A ‘Remembering’ blog has been launched, where you can post your own message and share Research Master’s memories.

This book has appered in the African Studies Collection, volume nr 86.