Background information

Description of the online database project 'Africanists in the Nordic countries'


1. Introduction

'Africanists in the Nordic countries' is a database, which can be accessed online via the internet. It is a register of information about researchers in the Nordic countries whose work is clearly, although not exclusively, focused on Africa or relevant to Africa. It includes the researchers’ addresses, areas of expertise, and current research activities. Based on information provided by the researchers the database is maintained and updated by the Nordic Africa Institute.

2. Purpose of the database 'Africanists in the Nordic countries'
The exchange of information among researchers and between researchers and 'the outside world' is important for everyone concerned. Knowing and being known and having an up-to-date picture of who has expertise on which topics, and where they can be found, have become absolute necessities. Moreover, improved communication is a key to transcending the boundaries of departments, institutions, disciplines and even countries.

The purpose of the database 'Africanists in the Nordic countries' is:

  • to facilitate networking among Africanists in the Nordic countries, thus making it easier for them to share research experiences and exchange knowledge;
  • to serve as a basic guide to the Nordic world of research on Africa, and to provide policy-makers, practitioners and other interested parties inside and outside the Nordic countries with easier access to information and expertise on Africa.

3. Stakeholders
We distinguish three groups of stakeholders who are involved in this activity:

  • the suppliers of data
  • the users of the information
  • the Nordic Africa Institute as facilitator, which provides and manages the database
3a: The suppliers of data
Data is supplied by the researchers in the Nordic countries who wish to be included and who possess expertise related to Africa. Data is incorporated into the database only if the person in question meets certain criteria.

3b: Target group/users
The database 'Africanists in the Nordic countries' is meant to serve a wide range of users, including:
  • scientists/researchers, students and other persons inside and outside the Nordic countries who have a professional interest in issues related to Africa;
  • policy-makers and practitioners both inside and outside the Nordic countries who have a professional interest in issues related to Africa;
  • other interested persons and organisations, such as journalists, consultants, information professionals, development NGOs, and international organisations.

3c: The Nordic Africa Institute as facilitator, which provides and manages the database
The Nordic Africa Institute has a mandate to further co-operation and contacts between Nordic and African researchers as well as informing about research on Africa. One way to fulfil this task is by providing the service of managing a database on Africanists in the Nordic countries.

4. Criteria for inclusion in the database 'Africanists in the Nordic countries'
In general: eligible for inclusion are persons, with an advanced university degree and substantial expertise clearly focused on Africa, who are currently conducting research within the social sciences and humanities in the Nordic countries. This normally excludes undergraduates, consultants and experts, who have no research activities in their current jobs.

Specific criteria for inclusion:

  1. Persons must be based in the Nordic countries
  2. They must have an advanced university degree within the social sciences or humanities.
  3. Their research must be clearly, although not exclusively, focused on Africa or relevant to Africa.