University of Essex launches new Centre for Global South Studies

This month will see the launch of a new research centre which will provide a comprehensive home for University of Essex academics and postgraduate students researching the Global South.

The Centre for Global South Studies will be launched on February 24 with a webinar featuring a keynote address by Professor Shailaja Fennell, Director of Studies in Land Economy, Professor of Regional Transformation and Economic Security at Cambridge University. The title of her lecture will be ‘Reclaiming forgotten foods: The value of understanding agricultural diversity and knowledge production in the Global South’.

Director of the new centre, Professor Sandya Hewamanne said: “Promotion of research teaching and discourse on the Global South and its connections to processes centred in the global north is the core objective of the centre.

“As the first Centre for Global South Studies in the UK, we will be widening international research opportunities, and networking with scholars from the Global South. Our working paper series highlights works from scholars from the Global South, shining a spotlight on this crucially important area of the world and research.”

The centre will enhance the University’s wider research profile by organising seminars, a working paper series and applying for interdisciplinary grants. The proposed MA in Global South Studies will provide a platform for academics and students to explore the Global South from diverse perspectives.

Professor Nancy Kula, Executive Dean for Social Sciences, will open the launch webinar, followed by a student panel representing students from across the globe and the keynote address.

Professor Kula said: “We are delighted to launch the first Centre for Global South Studies in the UK, with members from all faculties within the University and links to places of learning across the globe.”

To register for the webinar, follow this link

2.00 pm Welcome

2.10 Remarks by Nancy Kula - Executive Dean for Social Sciences

2.15-2.45 Student panel – Global South at Essex

3.00 - 3.40 Keynote: Professor Shailaja Fennell - Cambridge University.

Title: Reclaiming forgotten foods: The value of understanding agricultural diversity and knowledge production in the Global South

3.45 - 4.15 Discussion