Linnaeus University exteriour

Cutting-edge research centre within Postcolonial Studies granted extended funding

Linnaeus University’s cutting-edge research centre Linnaeus University Centre for Concurrences in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies is granted extended funding with a total of SEK 14.4 million over four years. In addition, there will be SEK 28.8 million in funding from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The decision was made by the vice-chancellor following an external evaluation of the centre.

The research at Linnaeus University Centre for Concurrences in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies deals with the human consequences of colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of dominance throughout world history. There is special focus on those who have been expelled or exploited as a result of colonialism. The centre was established in 2010 and today consists of some 20 researchers. The centre has now been granted extended funding for the upcoming four years, the period 2023–2026.

“This, of course, feels great! We have been working hard to fix the areas of development that were identified in the evaluation of the centre. In particular, we have been working to improve the internal synergies and the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaborations within the group. This has already started to bear fruit in the form of new research projects and publications”, says Stellan Amirell, director.

Four areas of research and new third-cycle education

During the upcoming four years, the centre will prioritise four areas of research, which will be studied from postcolonial and interdisciplinary perspectives:

  • climate and environment
  • cultural meetings
  • memories of and stories about colonialism
  • migration and belonging

What is more, the centre will be engaged in the new third-cycle programme in global humanities that will welcome five new doctoral students this September.

Why is it important to conduct research within postcolonial studies?

“All challenges that the world is facing today, like, for instance, climate and environment, migration, cultural meetings, international peace, and security or criminality, have deep historical roots. One cannot understand or handle these challenges without understanding their links to imperialism and colonialism, both historically and from a contemporary perspective”, Amirell explains.

“What is more, the controversies of the last few years concerning, for instance, racism, historical monuments, the rights of indigenous peoples, and collections of human remains and cultural artefacts at museums have shown us how vivid and controversial the colonial history still is. An important task for the Concurrences researchers is to demonstrate the differences that can be found in the understanding of the colonial history between people with different backgrounds and origin”, Amirell concludes.

About Linnaeus University Centres

Linnaeus University Centres (Lnuc) constitute the most prominent of Linnaeus University’s research environments. The research carried out within these six centres should be of the highest quality and have national as well as international recognition. The centres are funded by the faculties and through specially allocated funds from the University Board, decided on by the vice-chancellor.