A wide range of researchers, lecturers and students from various faculties are now actively engaged in research activities relating to MENA (Middle East and North Africa).
To accommodate this growing interest, the BU Research Network for MENA Studies meets regularly on campus and online, hosting interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary events, including conferences, symposiums, workshops, debates, and public talks.
We recognise common themes in the MENA countries and advocate for a paradigm shift in MENA studies.
Many of our researchers focus on unravelling current power dynamics within MENA and between MENA and other regions, emphasising the increasing relevance of themes such as conflict, immigration, refuge, asylum, safety, resources, commerce, health, energy, and climate.
Our work has the potential of impacting research trajectories and policymakers in the UK and overseas, including in the realms of foreign policy, diplomacy and international law.
Events and activity
We meet regularly to discuss current interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research trajectories on MENA studies.
Together we consider new methodologies and theoretical frameworks for understanding the current situation in the MENA region.
We host seminars, workshops, public talks, international conferences, and irregular lectures, and we collaborate with other research centres.
Upcoming events
Launch Event - BU Research Network for MENA Studies
26th November 1:00-4:00pm at KG01
Kimmeridge House, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University
Programme
| 1pm | Introduction - what is MENA? | Dr Mona Seyed Esfahani |
|---|---|---|
| 1.15pm | First panel - The Colonial Gaze across Media, Technology & International Law | Dr Nicola De Martini Ugolotti (Chair) |
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Upcoming Monograph: 'Drones, Settler Colonialism and International Law: How Israel Became a Drone Superpower' (Routledge, 2025) |
Dr Yaar Gagan | |
| Why is no-one talking about Sudan? |
Hadil Kekhya and Oluwasijibomi Fola Akande |
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The MENA media discourse |
Dr Max Mauro | |
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2pm |
Refreshments and networking |
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| 2.30pm | The International Family Tracing Service of the British Red Cross | Rayeesa Mahomed |
| 3pm | Second Panel - MENA in the Intersectional Lens | Abier Hamidi (Chair) |
| Child Marriage in the Middle East and North Africa |
Ayşe Kayra Özdemir |
|
| Women and Football in Iran: Gender, Identity, and Politics |
Dr Payam Ansari & Zahra Termeh Eskandari |
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Empowering Ethnic Minorities and Women Entrepreneurs in MENA: Unlocking Innovation in a Changing Economic Landscape |
Balpreet Kour | |
| 3.30pm | Q&A with speakers and plenary discussion | |
The Future of the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) - The University of Iceland in Reykjavík
26-27 January 2025
During the conference, we will cooperate, exchange ideas, and conduct give-and-take sessions among researchers and practitioners on a wide range of themes, ranging from Asylum, Education, Health, Labour, Economy, Human Rights, and Climate Change. The keynote speakers will be Professor Ilan Pappé and Professor Mads Fredrik Gilbert.
Submit your papers or contributions by Tuesday 12th November 2024