Early-Career Workshop for African Researchers in Philosophy: Futures of Philosophizing in Africa
Part of the Workshop Futures of Philosophizing
Organized by Abosede Ipadeola and Monika Rohmer
March 6–9, 2026, Hildesheim University
GloPhi Center (H.0.10)
Theme
Given the effects of climate change, poverty, unstable governments, a range of security threats, the continuing impact of colonialism, and the challenges of globalization, among other pressing issues, there are essential topical discourses of continental and global relevance that philosophical research must address in the future.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider how philosophy should be taught in African philosophy departments to meet the demands of the future. After all, today’s students are tomorrow’s lecturers, researchers, and decision-makers.
The goal of our workshop is to encourage emerging African scholars in philosophy to engage with questions and concepts that they have formulated to advance philosophies in Africa / African philosophy. We also invite them to confidently draw on Africa’s philosophical heritage and global philosophical traditions to enhance the endeavor of philosophizing in Africa.
Organized by Abosede Ipadeola and Monika Rohmer.
Impressions
Participating Researchers
- Aderonke Adeyinka Ajiboro (University of Ibadan)
- Bolaji Olaronke Akanni (University of Ibadan)
- Eyasu Berento Assefa (Addis Ababa University)
- Noah Opeyemi Balogun (University of Ibadan)
- Nolwandle Lembethe (Rhodes University)
- Taye Birhanu Taressa (Addis Ababa University / Mettu University)
Organizers & Facilitators
- Birgit Benzing (University of Hildesheim)
- Colleen Coalter (Bloomsbury Academic)
- Rolf Elberfeld (University of Hildesheim)
- Edwin Etieyebo (University of the Witwatersrand)
- Anke Graness (University of Hildesheim)
- Helena Hurd (Routledge / Taylor & Francis)
- Abosede Ipadeola (University of Ibadan)
- Monika Rohmer (University of Hildesheim)
- Joh Sarre (Writing Coach)
Program
Call for Applications
The Center for Advanced Studies “Philosophizing in a Globalized World: Historical and Systematic Perspectives” at Hildesheim University (Germany) invites early-career philosophers to:
- An academic workshop for early-career African researchers in philosophy from March 6–9, 2026
- A workshop with the title “Futures of Philosophizing: Transforming the Philosophy Curriculum” from March 10–13, 2026, with international experts on the topic of curriculum transformation
- The Center for Advanced Studies, a place of international philosophical exchange that offers inspiration for rethinking philosophy in our globalized world
We encourage early-career scholars (pre-doctoral and within a maximum of three years of post-doctoral research) based on the African continent to apply for six scholarships to participate in both workshops. The scholarship will cover travel expenses, accommodation, visa costs, and a daily allowance for the duration of the stay in Germany.
The workshop for early-career African researchers in philosophy will provide participants with the opportunity to present and discuss their current research with emerging and established scholars. Additionally, the workshop will offer participants input and training on their writing and presentation skills, which are essential for anyone pursuing a career in academia.
The workshop for advanced scholars (March 10–13) will provide a learning experience that engages participants in an innovative research approach for transforming the philosophy curriculum alongside experts on the topic of curriculum transformation. Participating in this workshop provides unique insights into debates on curriculum transformation in different countries.
The scholarship at the Center provides a unique networking opportunity with academic philosophers from all continents and at various stages in their careers.
Application
Necessary Application Documents:
- Motivation letter (1 page).
- A proposal on a topic relevant to the theme of the workshop, including a brief abstract (2 pages).
- A description of your current research project (2 pages).
- Curriculum Vitae (2 pages).
- A writing sample or a video of a talk or lecture.
The workshop will be conducted in English; therefore, proficiency in English is required for participation in the two workshops. Female scholars are especially encouraged to apply.
Please submit your application as a single PDF file to glophi@uni-hildesheim.de by the deadline of September 1, 2025, under the title, “Early-Career African Philosophers Application”.