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The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth has been celebrated among Bavaria’s top research initiatives following a historic success in Germany’s Excellence Strategy. All twelve Bavarian clusters that applied were successful, an unprecedented achievement highlighting the state’s strong position in research and innovation.

At a reception hosted by the Bavarian State Chancellery in Munich on the 30th of October 2025, Minister of Science and the Arts Markus Blume and Minister of State Florian Herrmann congratulated representatives of the successful clusters. The Cluster of Excellence "Africa Multiple" was represented by Managing Director Dr. Franz Kogelmann, Prof. Dr. Eva Spies, Prof. Dr. Susanne Mühleisen, and Principal Investigators Dr. Eric Anchimbe, Prof. Dr. Jana Hönke, and Prof. Dr. Clarissa Vierke.
University President Dr. Stefan Leible and Vice President Prof. Dr. Nina Nestler also joined the celebration.

“This success proves that long-term commitment pays off,” said Minister Blume, commending the sustained investment in academic excellence across Bavaria.

A New Chapter for African Studies and Global Collaboration

The success in the Excellence Strategy secures continued funding and visibility for the Cluster’s research on Africa’s global interconnections. Entering its second funding phase, Africa Multiple 2.0 will further strengthen cooperation among its five research centres in Bayreuth (Germany), Makhanda (South Africa), Eldoret (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), expand interdisciplinary networks and deepen support for early-career scholars.