MIASA-MECAM Roundtable on “Academic Freedom and Research Ethics: Exploring Dynamics in Ghana, Tunisia & Germany”

On October 10, 2024, the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA), in collaboration with the Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM), will host a joint roundtable discussion on “Academic Freedom and Research Ethics: Exploring Dynamics in Ghana, Tunisia & Germany.” This event is part of MIASA’s Public Lecture Series and aligns with the German Science Year 2024 theme of “Freedom.”

The roundtable will bring together distinguished scholars from MIASA and MECAM to address the evolving landscape of academic freedom and research ethics across three countries—Ghana, Tunisia, and Germany. The event will explore key issues surrounding the legal frameworks, institutional practices, and ethical considerations that shape scholarly work in these regions.

Confirmed participants include:

Moderation: 

• Prof. Grace Diabah (MIASA Director, Ghana)

As panelists:

• Dr. Chika Mba (MIASA Principal Investigator)
• Dr. Susann Baller (MIASA Principal Investigator and former MIASA Director, Germany)
• Prof. Mamadou Diawara (MIASA Director, Germany)
• Prof. Rachid Ouaissa (MECAM Director, Germany)
• Prof. Emna Beltaief (Vice President of the Université de Tunis & MECAM Principal Investigator)
• Dr. Julius Dihstelhoff (MECAM Academic Coordinator)
• Dr. André Bank (MECAM Executive Council Member, Online Participation)

The discussion will be structured around three key themes:

I. Exploring Academic Freedom: State of the Art in Ghana, Tunisia, and Germany

This session will offer a discussion on how academic freedom is understood and implemented in the three countries, examining both national contexts and global perspectives.

II. Decolonising Academia: Intersections of Academic Freedom, Research Ethics, and Epistemic Justice

This section will critically assess the impact of colonial legacies on knowledge production, addressing the challenges of decolonisation in academic research and ethics.

III. Contributions and Challenges: Academic Freedom and Knowledge Production at MIASA and MECAM  

The final section will highlight the contributions of MIASA and MECAM to advancing academic freedom and ethical research, while discussing the challenges faced by these institutions in promoting these values.

This roundtable offers a platform for experts and participants to engage in meaningful discussions on the complexities of academic freedom and research ethics in diverse national and regional contexts.

This roundtable is open to the public.

For virtual participation via Zoom, please use the following link:
https://wacren.zoom.us/j/62850730859?pwd=2JT4yvVMr6zMQs7FebhszWGGXgpctZ.1

Meeting ID: 628 5073 0859
Passcode: MIASA-M24!