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 to impact research trajectories and policymakers in the UK and overseas, including in the realms of foreign policy, diplomacy and international law.
News
New MENA Student Society - Friends of Palestine
The Friends of Palestine Society is a new student-led initiative based at Bournemouth University that aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Palestinian cause, including its culture and history. It was presented at the launch event of the BU MENA Studies Network (see below).
The Society focuses on raising awareness about Palestinian rights and the current global challenges facing Palestinian people. To promote this goal, they organise cultural events, educational sessions, and advocacy campaigns.
The membership is completely free and open to everyone.
The Society can reached on its webpage www.subu.org.uk/organisation/11515/ and via Email [email protected].
Images from the launch event
Images credit: Nam Mario and Thanh Hung Nguyen
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.
Past Events
Launch Event - BU Research Network for MENA Studies - Part II
Tuesday 10 December 2024, 1pm - 4pm
The dramatic events unfolding in the Middle East have brought together a wide range of researchers, lecturers and students from various faculties, interested in promoting activities and initiatives relating to MENA (Middle East and North Africa). Whether you’re a researcher focused on the MENA region, interested in collaborating on MENA-related projects, or curious to learn about the research being conducted in MENA, we welcome you to join us. There will be space for open dialogue, Q&A, and widening the conversation.
View the full event programme (pdf 1.6mb)
Launch Event - BU Research Network for MENA Studies - Part I
Tuesday 26 November 2024
This video was filmed and edited by Khushpreet Singh and Wajid Ali, MA Media and Communication students and Bournemouth University.