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Alessandro Bausi is a Full Professor of Ethiopian Studies at Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Humanities, since November 2023. Previously, he held the position of Full Professor (W3) at the University of Hamburg’s Asien-Afrika-Institut (2009–2023) and served as Director of the Hiob Ludolf Center for Ethiopian Studies. He has extensive academic leadership roles, including editorships of Aethiopica journal and series like Aethiopistische Forschungen . His research focuses on Ethiopian and Eritrean textual traditions, ancient scribal practices, and manuscript cultures, with notable projects like the ERC-funded 'TraCES' and Hamburg’s 'Beta maṣāḥǝft.' Education: MA (1988, University of Florence), PhD (1992, Naples Oriental Institute). He has held academic appointments since 1995, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor roles in Naples, Hamburg, and now Rome. His research interests span Aksumite history, Ethiopic philology, apocryphal texts, and medieval manuscript studies. He has secured major grants and is a member of prestigious academies, including the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and Academia Europaea. Notable awards include the ERC Advanced Grant (2013) and the Giorgio Maria Sangiorgi Prize (2005). He leads interdisciplinary projects on Christian Ethiopian/Eritrean scribal culture and serves as a consultant for international scholarly series. Professional roles include Co-Spokesperson of the Hamburg Cluster of Excellence on Manuscript Cultures (2019–2023) and editorial roles in major journals. His work bridges textual criticism, epigraphy, and digital humanities in African studies.

• Aksumite history and culture
• Text-critical philology
• Ethiopic (Geez) philology and literature
• +6 more

Osvaldo Costantini is a Researcher at the Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology at Sapienza University of Rome. His work focuses on the intersection of anthropology, migration studies, and religious practices among marginalized communities, particularly Eritrean and Ethiopian migrants in Italy. He employs ethnographic methods to analyze how religious institutions, spatial practices, and social dynamics shape migrant experiences. Key research areas include: Ethnography of Pentecostal congregations among Eritrean/Ethiopian diasporas Religious management of migration conditions Spatial contestation through housing occupations Refugee mental health and institutional neglect Modernization conflicts in healing practices Notable publications (2016–2023) explore topics like exorcism practices as political resistance, the role of intergovernmental agencies in migrant documentation, and the temporal dimensions of academic precarity. His work bridges Marxist theory with contemporary migration realities, emphasizing how marginalized groups negotiate identity and belonging through religion and spatial practices. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned. His academic contributions focus on documenting underrepresented migrant voices through detailed ethnographic research.

• Anthropology
• Migration Studies
• Religious Studies
• +4 more

Samantha Kelly is a Distinguished Professor of History and current Chair of the Department of History at Rutgers University. Specializing in Medieval and Renaissance Europe and Africa, with a focus on Italy and Ethiopia, her work bridges European and African histories through the lens of religious and political interactions. Ph.D., Northwestern University (1998) B.A., Yale University (1989) Her research explores the intersection of religion and politics in Italy, Latin-European interactions with the Ethiopian Orthodox community, and the intellectual projects of Ethiopian pilgrims in Renaissance Rome. She has pioneered studies on Ethiopian diasporic communities and cultural exchanges in the pre-modern Mediterranean. Kelly’s publications include monographs on Robert of Naples and the Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrim hostel Santo Stefano, alongside edited volumes like A Companion to Medieval Ethiopia and Eritrea . Her work has been supported by prestigious institutions such as the Mellon Foundation, American Academy in Rome, and Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. Marraro Prize (2003) Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2020) African Studies Review Prize (2020) American Association for Italian Studies Book Prize (2024) Kelly has directed Rutgers’ Program in Medieval Studies, co-organized the Ethiopian Studies webinar series at the Institute for Advanced Study, and served as Visiting Professor at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris. She was elected a Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America in 2024 and continues to lead the Ethiopian Studies of North America workshop.

• Medieval History
• Renaissance Studies
• Ethiopian-European Relations
• +4 more

Mike Thiv is a Researcher and Head of the Botany Department at the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart . His work focuses on plant systematics, biogeography , and floristic mapping , with a particular emphasis on the Eritrean-Arabian region, the Mediterranean, and Macaronesia. He has contributed to understanding evolutionary patterns in laurel forests, island endemism, and glacial refugia dynamics. His academic journey includes a Habilitation at Heidelberg University (2015), a PhD on Gentianaceae phylogeny (2000), and a Diploma in Biology (1995). He has led third-party funded projects with grants totaling ~€800,000 and served as an associate editor for journals like Plant Systematics and Evolution . Research projects span molecular phytogeography of the Socotra Archipelago, decline of clubmoss in Baden-Württemberg, and floristic dynamics under global change. His publications address adaptive radiation, vicariant speciation, and taxonomic revisions across diverse plant families. Notable collaborations include work with M. Koch on Macaronesian Gesnouinia and Mediterranean Soleirolia woodiness evolution (2019), and with R. Linder on molecular phytogeography of Socotra plants (2001–2003). He has mentored no explicit advisees but contributes to interdisciplinary teams. Key trends in his publications include integrating molecular and morphological data for taxonomy, exploring biogeographic disjunctions, and analyzing conservation genetics. His work bridges historical botany with modern phylogenetic methods, emphasizing biodiversity in Mediterranean and island ecosystems.

• Plant Systematics
• Biogeography
• Floristic Mapping
• +3 more

Metje Postma is a Lecturer at the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University, affiliated with the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Her research focuses on refugee representation, communication strategies among marginalized communities, and the application of ethnographic methods in development contexts. She investigates how the Rashaayda Bedouin refugees in Eritrea negotiate identities through poetic rhetoric, aid narratives, and embodied practices, exploring how these forms of communication engage different audiences. Her work bridges theoretical anthropology with practical development challenges, emphasizing the role of cultural heritage and body-techniques in crisis situations. She has produced a documentary, *Aida; Weaving a Way*, analyzing leadership discourses in Sudanese rebel groups, which contributes to her broader thesis on representation in crises. Teaching responsibilities include courses at both BSc and MSc levels in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.

• Cultural Anthropology
• Ethnography
• Refugee Studies
• +3 more

Prof. Gabriella D'Agostino is a Full Professor of Cultural Anthropology at the Department of Cultures and Society, University of Palermo. She serves as Delegate for Relations with Foreign Communities, emphasizing her role in fostering international academic ties. Her primary affiliation is with the Department of Cultures and Society, specializing in research areas that bridge cultural anthropology, migration studies, and Mediterranean sociocultural dynamics. Her research focuses on cultural heritage preservation, ethnographic methods, and the intersection of power structures with cultural expression. Key themes include colonial memory, migrant religious practices in Sicily, and the role of traditional heritage in contemporary societies. She also explores methodological critiques in participant observation and the evolution of anthropological discourse. Publications from 2025 to 2004 reflect her sustained engagement with postcolonial studies, ethnographic museography, and the anthropology of religion. Her work frequently addresses Mediterranean contexts, particularly Sicily and Eritrea, highlighting transnational cultural flows. While no formal awards are listed, her extensive publications and academic roles indicate significant contributions to her field. Grants and advising details are not explicitly stated in the provided texts, but her role as a professor suggests active mentorship. She is involved in organizing academic events and managing departmental responsibilities, including student examinations and administrative duties. Her research extends to contemporary ethnographic practices, cultural policy analysis, and the interplay between art and tradition. Collaborations with institutions like the ATeN Center and involvement in PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) projects likely underscore her engagement with applied anthropology and policy-oriented research.

• Cultural Anthropology
• Mediterranean Societies
• Cultural Heritage
• +5 more

Ghirmai Negash is a Professor of English & African Literature in the Department of English and Director of the African Studies Program at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences. He is based at the Athens Campus and actively contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship in African literary and cultural studies. Research Interests: His work centers on African literatures, with a focus on the Horn of Africa and South Africa. He explores critical theory, translation, postcolonial identity, life writing, and the development of indigenous literary traditions. His scholarship bridges literary analysis and cultural activism, particularly in Eritrean and broader African contexts. Publication Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong commitment to recovering and translating foundational African literary texts, such as The Conscript , and situating contemporary works like Welcome to Our Hillbrow within global literary discourse. His contributions span journals in African literature, biography, and comparative studies, emphasizing narrative, memory, and decolonial perspectives. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising and Grants: While specific advisees and grant funding are not listed, his role as Director of African Studies and publication record suggest active mentorship and leadership in academic programming. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in critical theory and postcolonial literature, indicating engagement with student research and scholarly development. Labs and Teams: He leads the African Studies Program, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across languages, history, and literature. This program likely supports research initiatives, guest lectures, and cultural events focused on Africa and its diasporas.

• African Literature
• Horn of Africa Literature
• South African Literature
• +7 more

Dr. Steven Serels is a historian specializing in the environmental, economic, and social history of the Red Sea region, particularly the African littoral. He currently serves as a Research Fellow at the Leibniz Center for Modern Oriental Studies (ZMO) in Berlin, leading the DFG-funded project 'A New History of Infectious Diseases in the Southern Red Sea Region' (2019-2022). Previously, he held positions as an Associated Research Fellow at ZMO (2014-2017), Project Leader at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (2018-2019), and Visiting Fellow at Harvard University (2017-2019). His educational background includes: PhD in History, McGill University (2012), dissertation: 'Feasting on Famines: Food Insecurity and the Making of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, 1883-1956' (supervised by Gwyn Campbell and Elizabeth Elbourne) MA in History, McGill University (2007), thesis: 'Town Planning for Empire: British Colonial Planning and Re-Planning of Khartoum, the Sudan, 1898-1914' (supervised by Elizabeth Elbourne) BFA, The Cooper Union (2005) Dr. Serels' research investigates how environmental change, famine, slavery, and colonial economic policies shaped societies in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean worlds from the 17th to 20th centuries. His work bridges environmental determinism and political agency, examining how local populations navigated ecological crises amid imperial expansion. Key contributions include analyzing monetary transitions, salt trade networks, and the socioecological roots of food insecurity. His 15 most recent publications reveal consistent thematic threads: the interplay of climate, disease, and power in the African Red Sea region; the long-term impoverishment effects of colonial monetary systems; and the persistence of unfree labor structures. Articles span environmental history (e.g., Little Ice Age impacts), economic history (currency systems), and social history (slavery), demonstrating interdisciplinary rigor through archival work across German, British, and Canadian collections. His scholarly impact is recognized through major awards: DFG Individual Research Grant (2019-2021) PRIME Fellowship from DAAD (2018-2019) Gerda Henkel Stiftung Research Scholarship (2016-2018) Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015-2016) VolkswagenStiftung Fellowship (2014-2015) While not listed as supervising students, Dr. Serels has secured extensive research funding through competitive grants, often collaborating with institutions like Harvard's Center for Middle Eastern Studies and McGill's Indian Ocean World Center. His consultancy reports for the Rift Valley Institute demonstrate applied scholarship on epidemics and environmental change in the Horn of Africa. Current work focuses on historical disease ecology through ZMO's 'State and Society' research program. He actively participates in ZMO's collaborative networks including 'Thinkers and Theorizing from the South' and 'De:link // Re:link,' contributing to transregional perspectives on the Red Sea region. His DFG project integrates environmental history with medical anthropology to trace infectious disease pathways in the Southern Red Sea littoral.

• Environmental History
• Economic History
• Colonial History
• +4 more

Laura Harris is a Professor of English and World Literature and Africana Studies at Pitzer College, where she has taught since 1997. Her office is located in Avery 218, and she can be contacted via email or phone. She holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (1997) and a BA from San Diego State University (1990). Her research explores 20th century African American literature and culture , Feminist and Queer Theory , Harlem Renaissance Studies , African Diaspora Studies , and Performance Studies . She examines intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and power through Black feminist and queer theoretical frameworks, with a focus on diasporic identities and cultural expressions. Her publications predominantly focus on African American literary criticism , queer theory applications , and diaspora narratives , with recent works exploring Black queer linguistics and poetry. Thematically, her scholarship consistently engages with identity formation, power structures, and resistance across literary and cultural contexts. Awards and Honors: Multi-genre Workshop Member, Macondo Writers: A Homeland for Writers (July 2024) Agnes Moreland Jackson Award, Office of Black Student Affairs (Spring 2018) Faculty Contributions to 5 Colleges’ Queer Community, Lavender Graduation (Spring 2012 & 2007) Stonewall Book Award Nomination (2002)

• 20th century African American literature and culture
• Feminist and Queer Theory
• Harlem Renaissance Studies
• +2 more

Dr. Nicole Hirt is a Research Fellow at the GIGA Institute for African Affairs, part of the German Institute for Global and Area Studies. Her work focuses on authoritarian regimes, diaspora dynamics, migration policies, and peace studies with a regional specialization in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. She holds a PhD from the University of Hamburg and has conducted extensive research on Eritrean militarization, diaspora governance, and transnational repression mechanisms. Her research has been supported by grants including the Swedish Research Council and the German Research Foundation (DFG). Education: PhD in Political Science, University of Hamburg (2000) Masters in Political Science & Sociology, University of Tübingen Bachelor in Social Work, Berufsakademie Heidenheim Her current research explores the role of second-generation diasporas in global democracy struggles and the EU’s flawed migration policies. She has led projects like the comparative study of diaspora responses in authoritarian regimes (2018–2021) and the transnational lives of repressed diasporas (2020–2023). Her work frequently examines how authoritarian regimes exploit diaspora communities to maintain power. Key Themes in Publications: Transgenerational trauma and political identity formation among Eritrean diaspora youth Remittance dependencies and authoritarian stabilization EU’s migration governance failures and humanitarian consequences Grants & Projects: Swedish Research Council (2020–2023): Transnational Lives in the Shadow of Repression DFG (2018–2021): Diaspora Responses to Authoritarian Rule EU Horizon 2020 (2018–2023): MAGYC Migration Governance Project

• Migration Policy
• Political Science
• Authoritarian Regimes
• +4 more

Mahmud Yesuf is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at American University, Washington, D.C. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Gothenburg University (2004), an M.Sc. from Addis Ababa University (1998), and a B.A. in Economics (1989). His research focuses on development economics, natural resource management, environmental valuation, and climate change adaptation in the context of smallholder agriculture in developing countries, particularly Ethiopia. He has extensive international collaborations with institutions like the World Bank and IFPRI. Teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses in Microeconomics, Environmental Economics, Applied Econometrics, and African Economies. He has developed online courses and served as a dissertation advisor to numerous students. His work emphasizes inclusive curriculum development, mentoring, and fostering gender equity in economics education. Research interests span climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, agricultural technology adoption, and the care economy. He has authored/co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, books, and policy reports. Notable projects include studies on Ethiopia’s climate policies, gender perceptions of climate change, and experimental analyses of risk preferences. Service roles include committee memberships in faculty governance, curriculum reform, and gender equity initiatives. He co-organized conferences on inclusive economics and contributed to global policy dialogues on sustainable development and carbon markets. He has mentored dozens of students, including undergraduates awarded top research honors, and advised organizations like the Ethiopian and Eritrean Student Association. His current projects explore care economy frameworks and the intersection of gender, climate, and economic policy.

• Development Economics
• Natural Resource Economics
• Environmental Economics
• +8 more

Tanja Müller is a Professor of Political Sociology at the Global Development Institute (GDI), University of Manchester. She is a founding member and former director of the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (2010–2014) and a key figure in the Manchester Migration Lab (2017–present). Her research focuses on migration, diaspora dynamics, refugee integration, and transnational citizenship, with a geographic emphasis on Africa and the Horn of Africa. Education: Müller holds an MA in Linguistics and Philosophy (Free University Berlin, 1991), an MSc in Development Studies (University College Dublin, 1994), and a PhD in Development Studies (University of East Anglia, 2003). She has held academic and consultancy roles in multiple countries, including Eritrea, Japan, and Kenya. Research Interests: Her work explores revolution and new elites (e.g., Eritrea), global solidarity (e.g., Mozambique’s post-socialist legacies), and global rights through refugee trajectories. Recent projects include ESRC-funded studies on transnational citizenship in the Horn of Africa and business-sector roles in refugee integration. Grants and Leadership: Müller has secured over £1 million in research funding, including ESRC grants on peacekeeping data and transnational citizenship. She leads the GDI’s Migration, Refugees, and Asylum Research Group and serves on editorial boards for journals like the Journal of Humanitarian Affairs . Labs and Teams: Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, she co-leads projects with Prof. Adriana Kemp (Tel Aviv University) and artists exploring refugee narratives through creative performance. Her work bridges academia, policy, and grassroots activism.

• Political Sociology
• Refugee Integration
• Transnational Citizenship
• +5 more

Erik Andersson is a faculty member at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Arts, Psychology, and Theology, specializing in Theology and Study of Religions. His work intersects religious heritage, cultural history, and missionary studies. Education: Teologie kandidat (Theology Bachelor), Legitimerad läkare (Licensed Physician), Doctor of Theology Research focuses on religious heritage transformation, colonial missionary contexts, and biblical interpretation. Key themes include sacralization processes, cultural memory, and interdisciplinary SDG contributions (specifically SDG 11 and 12). Recent publications analyze Axel B. Svensson's 1938-1939 African missions, Nordic church-museum transitions, and medical missionary ethics. Collaborations span religious historians and cultural anthropologists.

• Theology
• Religious Studies
• Cultural History
• +3 more

Magnus Treiber is Professor in Social and Cultural Anthropology at LMU Munich, specializing in migration, urban anthropology, and refugee studies with regional focus on the Horn of Africa. Directs research on Eritrean/Ethiopian migration, refugee camp governance, and post-conflict societies. Publications examine refugee experiences (2025), anti-refugee mechanisms (2022), and existential dimensions of migration. Ethnographic fieldwork in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Israel, and Europe documents migration trajectories and camp environments. Recent work analyzes pandemic racism (2025), economic anthropology (2024), and peace process impacts on displacement (2019). Leads research network 'Migration and Knowledge' and contributes to European refugee studies networks.

• Migration Anthropology
• Urban Anthropology
• Anthropology of Social Work
• +3 more

Mika Siljander is an Associate Professor and Docent in the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki. His work focuses on geoinformatics, remote sensing, and conservation biology, with significant contributions to understanding human-wildlife conflicts, land use change, and climate resilience in African ecosystems. He leads and collaborates on projects such as TAITAGIS (Geoinformatics capacity-building in Kenya) and VECLIMIT (vector-borne diseases in Finland). Key research areas include species distribution modeling, GIS applications for environmental management, and integrating remote sensing data into conservation strategies. Siljander has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and supervised multiple academic projects, including doctoral theses and international development initiatives. His work bridges academic research with practical solutions for ecological and public health challenges. Notable projects include TAITAFOREST (water and carbon sequestration in Kenyan forests) and AFERIA (food security adaptation in Africa). He actively participates in international conferences, peer-review processes, and public outreach events like the 7th World GIS Day in Tsavo, Kenya.

• Geosciences
• Geoinformatics
• GIS
• +5 more