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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250925
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250926
DTSTAMP:20251113T181422Z
CREATED:20251113T181240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T181422Z
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SUMMARY:Event Report: ASAA 2025 — Developing African Frameworks for Navigating Peace Vulnerabilities in an Emerging Post-COVID World Order
DESCRIPTION:The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) sponsored a panel at the African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA) 2025 Conference\, held on September 25\, 2025\, at the University of Cape Verde. Under the theme “Developing African Frameworks for Navigating Peace Vulnerabilities in an Emerging Post-COVID World Order\,” the panel brought together fellows to examine how African actors are re-imagining resilience and peacebuilding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. \n \nDr. Titilope F. Ajayi (Institute for Security Studies / Next Gen 2017 & 2019\, APN IRF 2018) who moderated the session welcomed participants and introduced the APN and Next Gen’s mission of strengthening African scholarship on peace and development\, and underscored the panel’s goal of exploring self-determined approaches to recovery and transformation. \nDr. Johannes John-Langba (University of KwaZulu-Natal . APN IRF 2015) presented his paper\, “Beyond Dependency: Reclaiming Public Health Sovereignty in Post-COVID Africa.” Drawing on the WHO Health Systems Performance Assessment Framework\, he examined Africa-led efforts to achieve public health autonomy\, highlighting local vaccine manufacturing\, investment in national health systems\, and policy ownership. “COVID-19 was a wake-up call for all of us\,” he noted\, underscoring that the pandemic revealed both the vulnerabilities of African health systems and the need to move beyond dependency. \nDr. Rosette Sifa Vuninga (University of Cape Town\, APN IRF 2024) followed with “How Does Being Part of the SADC Help Us? Interrogating the Economic and Political Benefits of DR Congo’s Southern African Development Community Membership from the Perspectives of Congolese Immigrants in South Africa.” Her presentation explored the disconnect between South Africa’s regional peacebuilding role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its domestic treatment of Congolese refugees. Using digital ethnography and interviews with community leaders\, she demonstrated that post-COVID regional security responses often remain detached from humanitarian realities\, highlighting the need for inclusive\, refugee-sensitive domestic policies to complement African-led peace initiatives. \nIn her own presentation\, “Whose Recovery? Centering Gender Justice in Africa’s Post-COVID Reconstruction\,” Dr. Ajayi examined the gendered dimensions of the pandemic’s aftermath. She argued that recovery frameworks are often skewed against women\, citing increases in gender-based violence\, child marriages\, and unpaid care burdens. Dr. Ajayi called for African feminist frameworks that foreground care\, accountability\, and collective well-being to ensure recovery that is not only inclusive\, but transformative. \n \nDr. Sean Maliehe (National University of Lesotho / APN IRF 2024) presented his paper on “Transnational Mobilities\, Post-COVID Responses\, and Peace in Southern Africa: Case Study of Mobile Money in Diepsloot\, South Africa.” Reflecting on fieldwork conducted between 2016 and 2023\, he analyzed how migrant networks developed transnational systems of trust\, remittance\, and economic exchange under precarious conditions. His analysis highlighted how economic pluralism and solidarity are critical for building inclusive African futures\, particularly in contexts where state responses remain exclusionary. \n  \nDr. Sokfa John (University of Pretoria / APN IRF 2024 & APN RPF 2025) concluded the panel with a paper titled\, “Post-Digital Praxis\, Local Power: Reimagining African Governance through Digital Transformation.” He demonstrated how rapid digitalization during the pandemic both enabled and constrained civic participation\, emphasizing the importance of grounding digital innovations in local epistemologies\, trust-building\, and conflict-sensitive design. \nDuring the discussion\, Dr. Rosette Sifa Vuninga asked about the role of traditional medicine in post-COVID recovery. In response\, Dr. Johannes John-Langba emphasized the importance of integrating mental health and community-based care into national health systems\, noting that traditional medicine can complement formal health services. The conversation eventually highlighted a shared commitment among panelists to centering African agency in post-pandemic recovery frameworks. \nIn his closing remarks\, Dr. Sofka John expressed gratitude to APN and Next Gen for creating spaces that “allow African researchers to pursue the work they believe in” and underscored the irreplaceable value of “meeting in person to build intellectual and social capital.” The session concluded with appreciation to the African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) program\, whose support made the panel possible\, and to the ASAA 2025 organizers and participants.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/event-report-asaa-2025-developing-african-frameworks-for-navigating-peace-vulnerabilities-in-an-emerging-post-covid-world-order/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T160000
DTSTAMP:20250926T181629Z
CREATED:20250822T170327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T181629Z
UID:10000903-1758812400-1758816000@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Creating Moves to Opportunity: Mixed Methods Evidence on Barriers to Neighborhood Choice
DESCRIPTION:About The Lecture\nLow-income families often live in neighborhoods with fewer opportunities to get ahead\, even when they have housing vouchers that would allow them to move to neighborhoods with more potential for upward mobility. In this SSRC lecture\, Johns Hopkins sociologist Stefanie DeLuca will explore why through two randomized interventions. In these experiments\, housing voucher recipients were given varying levels of information\, financial support\, and customized search assistance to move to higher-opportunity neighborhoods. The treatment increased the share of those moving to high-upward-mobility areas from 15% to 53%. Qualitative interviews with participants in the program showed that the intervention increased families’ optimism about new neighborhoods and housing\, eased demands on families’ time and attention and addressed their specific needs. The combination of the two experiments and the qualitative data reveal that the customized support and search assistance provided by the program navigator staff was the necessary driver of the experimental impacts\, not financial assistance or information alone. These findings imply that many low-income families do not necessarily prefer to stay in low-opportunity areas and that barriers to housing searches significantly increase residential segregation by income. \nEvent Recording\n \n\nAbout Stefanie Deluca\nStefanie DeLuca is the James Coleman Professor of Social Policy and Sociology at the Johns Hopkins University\, where she directs the Poverty and Inequality Research Lab. \nDr. DeLuca uses sociological perspectives to inform education and housing policy\, and conducts mixed-methods studies that combine qualitative research with experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Some of her work focuses on the effects of programs to help low-income families relocate to safer neighborhoods and better schools through housing vouchers. Based on some of this work with young adults in the Baltimore site of the Moving to Opportunity program\, Professor DeLuca wrote a book\, Coming of Age in the Other America (with Susan Clampet-Lundquist and Kathryn Edin)\, which was named an Outstanding Academic Title from the American Library Association\, and won the William F. Goode Award from the American Sociological Association. Additional research examines how young adults make postsecondary decisions. Her work has been funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development\, National Science Foundation\, Russell Sage Foundation\, William T. Grant Foundation\, Annie E. Casey Foundation\, Spencer Foundation\, MacArthur Foundation\, Abell Foundation\, Smith Richardson Foundation\, National Academy of Education\, Gates Foundation and the Department of Education. \nIn 2021\, Dr. DeLuca received the ASA Publicly Engaged Scholar award and is an elected member of the Sociological Research Association. She currently serves on a NASEM consensus study on economic and social mobility in the U.S. \nDr. DeLuca earned a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Chicago\, and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/creating-moves-to-opportunity-mixed-methods-evidence-on-barriers-to-neighborhood-choice/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250928
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250930
DTSTAMP:20251121T170347Z
CREATED:20251121T170323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T170347Z
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SUMMARY:African University Seminar Series Nigeria (AUSS-NG) Event Summary
DESCRIPTION:The African University Seminar Series Nigeria (AUSS-NG) held its inaugural seminar at the University of Abuja in Abuja\, Nigeria\, from September 27 to 28\, 2025. Funded by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC)’s African Peacebuilding Network (APN) and Next Generation (Next Gen) Social Sciences in Africa Program and hosted by the Department of History & Diplomatic Studies\, University of Abuja\, the seminar assembled 26 APN and Next Gen fellows and alumni for a one-and-a-half-day convening on contemplating and “Reimagining Peace in Nigeria: Resilience\, Reconciliation\, Social Justice and Everyday Politics.” \nAn initiative by the APN and Next Gen Program to fund and support the self-organizing capabilities of APN and Next Gen fellows and alums in countries with critical numbers of fellows and alumni\, the African University Seminar Series is rooted in the principles of fostering a distinct APN and Next Gen community of fellowship award recipients that advance the goals of the Program by organizing a set of scholarly convenings that center on peacebuilding\, security\, and development within country-specific contexts while facilitating networking and mentorship activities for early\, mid and senior career scholars. The Program launched the first AUSS community in Kenya in 2023 and since launched others in South Africa and Nigeria. \nThe seminar opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Cyril Obi\, Program Director of the APN and Next Gen Program\, delivered by Program Assistant Ms. Maimouna Cherif. He acknowledged the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY) and the SSRC\, noting the Program’s impact: 840 fellowships awarded across Africa since 2012\, including 563 Next Gen and 277 APN awards. Dr. Obi emphasized the AUSS’s role in fostering a community of knowledge and practice\, highlighting the significance of launching the Nigerian chapter due to the strong contributions of fellows in Nigerian institutions. He concluded by thanking the University of Abuja’s Department of History and Diplomatic Studies\, the Faculty of Arts\, and the Local Organizing Committee for their support\, and he wished participants productive discussions. \nProfessor Muhammad Sani Umar\, representative for the Head of Department\, History and Diplomatic Studies\, University of Abuja\, followed with his own remarks. He commended the collaboration between the department and the program\, highlighting the SSRC’s impact since its inception\, and noting that it embraces the humanistic tradition of social sciences\, with a very high respect for the scholarly community. Addressing the timeliness of the seminar’s theme\, he emphasized the importance of “going back to the drawing board” in addressing the violence in the country. \nFollowing these remarks was a goodwill message from Professor Amuche U. Madu\, Dean of Arts. She is at the University of Abuja and expressed her gratitude for the SSRC’s APN and Next Gen Program’s collaboration with the university\, highlighting the importance of scholarly contributions to the topic of reimagining peace in Nigeria. LOC co-Chairs\, Dr. Joyce Agofure (APN IRF 2022)\, Senior Lecturer and Researcher\, Ahmadu Bello University\, and Dr. Sani Y Adam (APN IRF 2024 and Next Gen 2018\, 2\,019\, 2020)\, Lecturer\, Bayero University\, closed the opening session with a message of gratitude to the Program\, the AUSS-NG co-advisors\, the Department of History & Diplomatic Studies\, University of Abuja\, the keynote speaker\, and the fellows and alums for their astounding scholarship and the breadth and quality of the papers submitted for the seminar. \nProfessor Abosede Babatunde\, Professor at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies\, University of Ilorin\, delivered the keynote lecture\, “Reenvisioning the Local Turn in Peacebuilding: Traditional Leadership\, Community Resilience and the Management of Resource Conflicts in Nigeria.” Using Nigeria’s resource conflicts as an example\, Prof. Babatunde highlighted that although the idea of localizing peacebuilding sounds empowering in theory\, in practice\, it does not automatically\, “by itself\, lead to emancipation and can often promote exclusionary and divisive politics that contribute to violence.” Local contexts are often shaped by unequal power dynamics\, where traditional authorities and certain groups dominate access to resources and decision-making. “New approaches to managing resource conflicts must consider how interventions feed into the ‘politics of the local\,’” she urged. \nFollowing this\, panel sessions commenced. The first panel\, “Resource Conflicts\, Governance\, and Resistance\,” emphasized that conflicts over land\, forests\, and natural resources stem less from scarcity and more from corruption and poor governance. Presentations highlighted how marginalized actors resist state control and negotiate survival through resilience and local peacebuilding. Case studies from the Niger Delta and northern Nigeria showed how environmental degradation\, exploitation\, and unequal resource distribution deepen insecurity and mistrust between communities\, corporations\, and the state.The panel also explored the limitations of current conflict early warning systems and government interventions\, noting that top-down peace initiatives often fail to address local grievances. Underscored was that sustainable peace in Nigeria requires inclusive approaches that confront structural inequality and empower those affected by resource-based violence. Panelists included Dr. Alaba F. Ogwumike (Next Gen 2018\, 2019)\, Dr. Olugbenga S. Falas (Next Gen 2014\, 2016\, 2017\, 2020)\, Dr. Joyce Agofure (APN IRF 2022)\, Dr. Chukwudi G. Njoku (APN IRF 2025)\, Dr. Imomotimi Armstrong (APN IRF 2025)\, and Prof. Justin Agheyisi (APN IRF 2022). \nPanel 2\, “Radicalization\, Security\, and Youth Activism\,” explored diverse pathways to peacebuilding\, security\, and social cohesion in Nigeria\, addressing how both state and non-state actors shape these. It began with a discussion on digital activism and its gains and inhibitors—using the #EndSARS protests as an example. Topics also included the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) as an example of community-based initiatives that could shift from combative roles to non-kinetic ones\, such as de-radicalization and post-conflict transformation. Finally\, the panel explored non-traditional avenues for cohesion\, showing how football historically bridged ethnic and regional divides. The panelists were Dr. Dare Leke Idowu (Next Gen 2023)\, Prof. Chuka Ononye (APN IRF 2021 / LOC Member)\, Dr. Peter I. Awodi (Next Gen 2017\, 2018)\, Dr. Oluwole G. Adekola (Next Gen 2018)\, Dr. Sani Y. Adam (APN IRF 2024 and Next Gen 2018\, 2019\, 2020)\, and Dr. Timothy C. Anyanwu (Next Gen 2022). \nPanel 3\, entitled “Memory\, Identity and Post-War Narratives.” The panel explored the intersections of history\, memory\, governance\, and peacebuilding in Nigeria\, focusing on how legacies of conflict and state power continue to shape education\, identity\, and security. It explored topics like Nigeria’s post–civil war education reforms\, the resurgence of Biafra activism through “sit-at-home” protests\, the government’s use of silence as a communication strategy in responding to insecurity\, and the politics of remembrance and environmental remediation in oil crises. Panelists included Kenechukwu Nwachukwu (Next Gen 2023\, 2024)\, Dr. Scholastica Atata (Next Gen 2013)\, Dr. Ifeyinwa Chukwuokoro (APN IRF 2025)\, Dr. Gloria Longbaam-Alli (APN IRF 2024 and Next Gen 2021\, 2023)\, Dr. Jimam T. Lar (APN IRG 2016)\, and Prof. Victor Okorie (APN IRG 2014). \nDay one was concluded by the fourth panel\, “Displacement\, Reintegration\, and Humanitarian Responses.” This featured discussions on challenges and innovations in peacebuilding\, reintegration\, social cohesion\, and security in Nigeria\, highlighting the roles of vulnerable populations\, women\, and community-based initiatives in mitigating conflict. Topics included the examination of The Borno State model for reintegrating former Boko Haram members\, the role of female sex workers at the Idiroko/Igolo border in navigating risks from state actors and criminal networks\, the role of Igbo women in southeastern Nigeria in traditional and everyday peacebuilding\, and the Kano Covenant interfaith dialogue\, demonstrating how religious leaders\, political elites\, and community members can transform violent conflict. The panelists were Prof. Irene D. Mngutyo (APN IRF 2023 and Next Gen 2015\, 2020)\, Dr. Adole R. Audu (Next Gen 2014)\, Dr. Oluwaseun Kugbayi (Next Gen 2022)\, Dr. Elizabeth M. Animashaun (Next Gen 2016\, 2017\, 2020)\, Dr. Ngozi U. Emeka-Nwobia (APN IRF 2020\, and Next Gen 2013\, 2014)\, and Prof. Daniel O. Iweze (APN IRF 2017). \nThe second day of the seminar was opened by Prof. Oluyemi Fayomi\, of the Nigerian Army University Biu. She presented a paper on “Navigating the Ethics of Peace Research in Nigeria: A Qualitative Approach.” Prof. Fayomi underscored how Nigeria’s complex context—ethno-religious conflicts\, political instability\, and socioeconomic disparities—creates dilemmas that conventional ethical frameworks\, often designed for stable environments\, do not fully address. She called for prioritizing the safety and security of both participants and researchers\, reflexivity about positionality\, acknowledging how ethnic\, religious\, or regional identities can shape research\, and developing a context-specific ethical framework to guide research in conflict-affected settings. She concluded that “ethical research in Nigeria requires a continuous and adaptive process.” \nThe presentation was followed by reflections on the contributions and debates of panelists from the session chairs\, and a communique presented by Prof. Mngutyo. Lastly\, the LOC co-chairs\, Dr. Agofure and Dr. Adam\, reiterated the high quality of the papers and presentations submitted and expressed their gratitude to the APN and Next Gen for its support. \n \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/african-university-seminar-series-nigeria-auss-ng-event-summary/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251108
DTSTAMP:20260107T200519Z
CREATED:20260107T165537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T200519Z
UID:10000910-1762473600-1762559999@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2025 International Peace Researchers Association (IPRA) Biennial Conference
DESCRIPTION:The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APPD) program’s sponsored panel\, “Negotiating Peace and Social Justice Through Non-Violent Pathways: Understanding African Values and Practices\,” at the 2025 Biennial International Peace Researchers Association (IPRA) conference\, featured alumni of the APPD (formerly the APN and Next Gen). During the plenary panel on Friday\, November 7\, panelists highlighted diverse traditional Indigenous spiritual\, relational\, and cultural knowledge from across the continent\, emphasizing their importance in peacebuilding. \nDr. Thembani Dube (APN IRF 2024)\, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Stellenbosch\, presented the paper\, “‘Revisiting Gukurahundi’: Ethnic marginalization\, state-led reconciliation\, and the Kalanga Perspective.” Her presentation critically examined the dominant narratives in reconciliation processes following the Gukurahundi genocide (1983-1987) and the ongoing tensions between ethnic minorities in Zimbabwe\, namely the Kalanga. Reviewing Kalanga spiritual mediation processes\, Dr. Dube argued that African Indigenous epistemologies should be integrated into transitional justice discourses to promote justice\, reconciliation\, and healing. \nMr. Hamudan Ssenoga’s (Next Gen Research 2024)\, a Ph.D. Fellow at Makerere University\, paper\,  “Understanding Social Justice through Identity and Power relations in Precolonial Buganda and Nkore (C14th – 1894)\,” examined the key debates on identity and power in precolonial African societies\, using a case study of Buganda and Nkore. This was done to illuminate traditional African concepts of justice\, rooted in group membership rather than individual rights\, in comparison to Western individualistic human rights frameworks. Ssenoga explored the concept of omuntu (personhood) and its connection to society through Ubuntu\, discussed the nature of power—whether centralized or decentralized—and addressed feminist critiques of Ubuntu/ntu that advocate for values like equality and justice. \nDr. Madinatu Bello (APN IRF 2024)\, a Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast\, presented “Indigenous rhythms and peacebuilding in Ghana: Female Indigenous master drummers driving non-violent change\,” highlighting how Indigenous female master drummers in Ghana demonstrate that the drum symbolizes inclusivity and social justice. Dr. Bello argues they are reshaping narratives\, redefining gendered roles and traditions as dynamic processes\, in the context of advancing non-violent peacebuilding. \nFollowing the presentation\, Panel Chair Dr. Jacinta Maweu (APN IRG 2015 & APN CWG 2022-24)\, a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi\, asked the panel to reflect on how researchers can translate their work for societal change. Panelists reflected on the opportunity to co-create documentaries and enable research participants to share what they wanted with audiences\, engage governments to listen to marginalized communities’ perspectives\, and recognize how scholarship can contribute to changing mindsets. \nAudience members posed questions about women’s involvement in peacebuilding and policymaking on the continent. This gave the panel the opportunity to acknowledge the structural obstacles that continue to impede women’s participation. Additionally\, panelists suggested people must make the choice “to be a deviant” and push back within scholarly and political spaces to drive change. Panelists encouraged the audience to be the change that has been discussed throughout the conference. \nThe plenary panel drew on important local insights from diverse Indigenous African traditional peacebuilding methods to highlight the growing body of knowledge on African peacebuilding approaches\, and to bring these into global dialogue with researchers\, activists\, and practitioners at the 2025 IPRA conference. \n \n 
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-international-peace-researchers-association-ipra-biennial-conference-november-7-2025/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251120
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251121
DTSTAMP:20260128T162940Z
CREATED:20260128T162734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T162940Z
UID:10000911-1763596800-1763683199@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2025 African Studies Association: “Decolonizing the Politics of Knowledge Production in African Peacebuilding”
DESCRIPTION:On November 20\, 2025\, the Social Science Research Council’s (SSRC’s) African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) Program hosted a panel at the 68th annual meeting of the African Studies Association (ASA)\, held from November 20-22\, 2025\, in Atlanta\, Georgia. The ASA conference\, themed “Crossing Boundaries and Recovering Intellectual Traditions\,” invited participants to reflect on the politics of knowledge and structural inequalities in African studies. Entitled “Decolonizing the Politics of Knowledge Production in African Peacebuilding: Concepts\, Theories\, and Practices\,” the Program-sponsored panel questioned dominant structures of power\, historicized them\, and presented avenues for resurgent African agency as a pathway towards sustainable peacebuilding on the continent. \nThe first presentation\, entitled “African Solutions to African Problems”: Political Sloganeering or African Renaissance? A Historical-Linguistic Reflection was delivered by Dr. Zaid Sekito (Makerere University; Next Gen 2020\, APN IRF 2024). Dr. Sekito deliberated on the popular slogan\, “African Solutions for African Problems\,” which he explained is currently elite and state-driven\, without intentional consideration paid to historical linguistics\, which delineate how people use language to promote and sustain violent conflicts. He argued that\, given the importance of oral histories in communication and in providing a populace with shared memory\, operationalizing  African Solutions for African problems for sustainable peacebuilding requires that interventions pay attention to continuities and evolutions in the language styles that ‘people’ use to sustain violent conflicts. This approach\, Dr. Sekito argued\, is what can genuinely inform the development of solutions tailored to specific contexts and community needs\, effectively working to decolonize peacebuilding. \n \nSasha Claude Rai (University of the Witwatersrand; Next Gen 2024) followed with a presentation titled\, “Against Moral Empire: Racialized Sexuality and the Limits of Liberal Peace”\, stating that decolonization and deapartheidization in South Africa are far more complex than the transitioning of the country’s system of governance. Instead\, Rai argued\, both processes require reconciling with the past and reimagining the future of knowledge. Within the context of gender and sexuality\, she historicized South Africa’s colonial project’s moralization of the body\, policing of desire\, and its use of controlled intimacy as a way of ensuring a compliant citizenry\, citing the passage of laws criminalizing interracial relationships and homosexuality\, for example\, as ways to ensure that the racial\, and moral order of Apartheid society was left unthreatened. Rai’s presentation contemplated the ways that the regulation of sexuality in South Africa\, rooted in white supremacy\, patriarchy\, and heteronormativity\, has historically and continues to define belonging and knowledge in the country\, where violence against and ‘corrective’ measures taken against homosexuals persist. She also situated this within ruptures led by Black South Africans\, like the Rhodes Must Fall\, calling for epistemic disobedience in intimacy—a site of liberation. \n \nGrace Kagoyire (Stellenbosch University; APN IRG 2019 and Next Gen 2021\, 2024) presented on “Decolonizing Knowledge Production in African Peacebuilding: Concepts\, Theories and Practices”. Using Rwanda’s community-based conflict resolution mechanisms — the Gacaca Courts —as a case study to exemplify effective grassroots initiatives that foster unity and promote dispute resolution for sustainable peace\, Kagoyire asserted that the decolonization of knowledge production in peacebuilding is not just an academic exercise but a political and ethical imperative. This imperative\, she explained\, could be achieved through multistep processes. Firstly\, by re-centering African agency\, valorizing local narratives\, and employing historically informed\, culturally grounded methodologies that are termed home-grown solutions. Secondly\, by restoring dignity to African ways of knowing through consideration of African histories\, cultures\, and methodologies. Thirdly\, by engaging with theories like postcolonialism\, Afrikology\, and critical theory to reconstruct knowledge systems. Lastly\, by encouraging practices such as community-based conflict resolution models that promote healing and reconciliation. \nThe fourth presentation\, “Africanizing Democracy and Coup Prevention in Africa: Towards a Practical Approach\,” was delivered by Dr. Hakeem Onapajo (National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies; APN IRF 2023). Dr. Onapajo explored the resurgence of coups in African countries—primarily in the western region—and attributed this to bad governance\, geopolitical interests in the area\, foreign intervention\, weak institutions\, and the mismatch between a Western-style democracy and the continent’s realities. He explained the failures of liberal democracy in Africa\, including the lack of democratic dividends\, state capture\, electoral manipulation\, and the influence of Western capitalism\, concluding that forestalling coups in Africa may require Africans to develop a democratic system that appears relatable to them and their society. Dr. Onapajo argued for the need to develop more research and advocacy on the concept of an African Democracy and called for investment in civil society organizations and lobby groups to undertake this action and push the agenda at regional institutions. \nDr. Gloria Longba’am-Alli’s (University of Jos; Next Gen 2021\, 2023\, and APN IRF 2024) presentation\, “Decolonizing Impact Assessment: Centering African Communities in Evaluating Peacebuilding Effectiveness: A Study of Central Nigeria\,” focused on the metrics used to evaluate peacebuilding initiatives. Dr. Longba’am-Alli argued for the need to center local African communities in evaluating the effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives\, stating that African peacebuilding initiatives are evaluated using Western frameworks that perpetuate colonial knowledge patterns. This process\, she argued\, begins with external\, Western\, “experts” determining evaluation questions\, acceptable evidence\, and effectiveness standards for peacebuilding initiatives. As a result\, African communities\, who may be consulted in the development of these frameworks\, are positioned as passive data sources rather than legitimate knowledge producers with the power to define the success of peacebuilding initiatives implemented in their local communities. Dr. Longba’am-Alli concluded that decolonizing impact assessment requires a fundamental shift in power: from external experts determining success criteria to African communities controlling evaluation design\, methodology\, and standards of evidence. The Program’s panel presentations–informed by linguistics\,  gender/sexuality studies\, political science\, governance\, anthropology\, and history– highlighted the importance of language\, epistemic disobedience in intimacy\, the value of community-led conflict resolution mechanisms\, and the need for Africa to define what democracy means to it—responding to the ASA’s theme of “Crossing Boundaries and Recovering Intellectual Traditions”. \nOn November 22\, Program Staff\, fellows\, and alums attended the ASA Awards Ceremony\, where five APDD Fellows received awards from the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY)\, including four named CCNY Outstanding Scholars and one honored with the ASA Samora Graça Machel Presidential Award. Respectively\, the fellows are as follows: Tamia Botes (Next Gen 2024)\, Kgomotso Komane (Next Gen 2024)\, Dr. Hlengiwe Ndhlovu (Next Gen 2016\, 2019\, 2021\, 2022\, and APN IRF 2025)\, Dr. Robert Ojambo (Next Gen 2012\, 2014)\, and Dr. Eugenia Anderson (APN IRF 2025).
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-african-studies-association-decolonizing-the-politics-of-knowledge-production-in-african-peacebuilding/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251213
DTSTAMP:20251030T151738Z
CREATED:20250714T152108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T151738Z
UID:10000896-1765497600-1765583999@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:On Earning Trust:The Case for the Social Sciences
DESCRIPTION:Date: December 12\, 2025\nLocation: University of Southern California \nOn Friday\, December 12\, 2025\, the Social Science Research Council will convene institutional leaders from the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, together with leaders of philanthropic organizations and other research partners\, for a conference titled “On Earning Trust: The Case for the Social Sciences.” \nUniversities are under immense pressure to demonstrate their value (and their values) to constituencies including governments\, students\, parents\, and civil society. Recent changes in federal funding are symptomatic of\, and increase\, this pressure. In this context\, this conference will explore how social science can illuminate the challenge of earning and sustaining trust—in universities\, research\, leadership\, and institutions. Across disciplines and continents\, the event will examine how trust is built\, eroded\, and restored through credible action\, transparency\, and shared moral purpose. \nThis year’s conference will be hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. We will open with a welcome reception on the evening of Thursday\, December 11\, followed by a full-day conference on the USC campus on Friday\, December 12. The conference will be preceded by a Deans’ Breakfast on the morning of December 12\, for deans overseeing the social and behavioral sciences. And on Saturday\, December 13\, William Deverell\, USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences\, will lead an exclusive guided tour of the Huntington Library and Gardens (tour capacity is limited; early RSVP is encouraged). Registration is open to attendees from the member institutions of the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences. \nFor more information about the conference or the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, Chief of Staff\, at marshall@ssrc.org. \nRSVP Form\n
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-cuf-conference-rsvp/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251213
DTSTAMP:20250714T192917Z
CREATED:20250714T184448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T192917Z
UID:10000897-1765497600-1765583999@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2025 College and University Fund Conference:  The Case for the Social Sciences
DESCRIPTION:Event Details\nEvent Date: December 12\, 2025\nLocation: University of Southern California \nOn Friday\, December 12\, 2025\, the Social Science Research Council will convene institutional leaders from the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, together with leaders of philanthropic organizations and other research partners\, to discuss “The Case for the Social Sciences.” \nUniversities are under immense pressure to demonstrate their value (and their values) to constituencies including governments\, students\, parents\, and civil society. Recent changes in federal funding are symptomatic of\, and increase\, this pressure. In this context\, this meeting will focus on the following questions: \n\nHow do we\, as social scientists\, understand how universities arrived at this point of deep skepticism about their enterprise?\nHow do we understand and explain our disciplines’ contributions to the world? What have been some of their successes in research and in policy\, and what do we learn from these?\nHow can social scientists make a stronger case for themselves\, inside the university and to the broader world?\n\nThis year’s conference will be hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. We will open with a reception on the evening of Thursday\, December 11\, followed by a full day on the USC campus on Friday\, December 12. The day will begin with a Deans’ Breakfast for deans overseeing the social and behavioral sciences. \nRegistration is open to attendees from the member institutions of the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences. We look forward to sharing details about the program and speakers in the coming months. For more information about the conference or the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, Chief of Staff\, at marshall@ssrc.org.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-college-and-university-fund-conference-the-case-for-the-social-sciences/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251213
DTSTAMP:20260113T142835Z
CREATED:20251024T152759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T142835Z
UID:10000906-1765497600-1765583999@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2025 College and University Fund Conference - On Earning Trust: The Case for the Social Sciences
DESCRIPTION:On Earning Trust:\nThe Case for the Social Sciences\nDecember 12\, 2025\nUniversities are under immense pressure to demonstrate their value (and their values) to constituencies including governments\, students\, parents\, and civil society. Recent changes in federal funding are symptomatic of\, and increase\, this pressure. In this context\, this conference will explore how social science can illuminate the challenge of earning and sustaining trust—in universities\, research\, leadership\, and institutions. Across disciplines and continents\, the event will examine how trust is built\, eroded\, and restored through credible action\, transparency\, and shared moral purpose. \nRSVP to Attend
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-college-and-university-fund-conference-on-earning-trust-the-case-for-the-social-sciences/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251213
DTSTAMP:20251211T162823Z
CREATED:20251105T181813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T162823Z
UID:10000907-1765497600-1765583999@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2025 College and University Fund Conference - On Earning Trust: The Case for the Social Sciences
DESCRIPTION:On Earning Trust:\nThe Case for the Social Sciences\nDecember 12\, 2025\nUniversities are under immense pressure to demonstrate their value (and their values) to constituencies including governments\, students\, parents\, and civil society. Recent changes in federal funding are symptomatic of\, and increase\, this pressure. In this context\, this conference will explore how social science can illuminate the challenge of earning and sustaining trust—in universities\, research\, leadership\, and institutions. Across disciplines and continents\, the event will examine how trust is built\, eroded\, and restored through credible action\, transparency\, and shared moral purpose. \nRSVP to Attend
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-cuf-conference-on-earning-trust-the-case-for-the-social-sciences/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251213
DTSTAMP:20251118T171021Z
CREATED:20250929T184510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T171021Z
UID:10000904-1765497600-1765583999@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:On Earning Trust:The Case for the Social Sciences
DESCRIPTION:Event Details\nEvent Date: December 12\, 2025\nLocation: University of Southern California \nOn Friday\, December 12\, 2025\, the Social Science Research Council will convene institutional leaders from the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, together with leaders of philanthropic organizations and other research partners\, for a conference titled “On Earning Trust: The Case for the Social Sciences.” \nUniversities are under immense pressure to demonstrate their value (and their values) to constituencies including governments\, students\, parents\, and civil society. Recent changes in federal funding are symptomatic of\, and increase\, this pressure. In this context\, this conference will explore how social science can illuminate the challenge of earning and sustaining trust—in universities\, research\, leadership\, and institutions. Across disciplines and continents\, the event will examine how trust is built\, eroded\, and restored through credible action\, transparency\, and shared moral purpose. \nThis year’s conference will be hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. We will open with a welcome reception on the evening of Thursday\, December 11\, followed by a full-day conference on the USC campus on Friday\, December 12. The conference will be preceded by a Deans’ Breakfast on the morning of December 12\, for deans overseeing the social and behavioral sciences. And on Saturday\, December 13\, William Deverell\, USC Dornsife Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences\, will lead an exclusive guided tour of the Huntington Library and Gardens (tour capacity is limited; early RSVP is encouraged). \nFor more information about the conference or the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, Chief of Staff\, at marshall@ssrc.org. \nRSVP Form\n
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2025-college-and-university-fund-conference-rsvp/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260209
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260213
DTSTAMP:20260403T182011Z
CREATED:20260330T161033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T182011Z
UID:10000913-1770595200-1770940799@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:February 2026 APDD Writing and Dissemination Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Abidjan\, Côte d’Ivoire \nThe Social Science Research Council’s (SSRC) African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD)\, in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Action for Peace (CERAP)/Jesuit University Abidjan\, held the 2026 Writing and Dissemination Workshop in Abidjan\, Côte d’Ivoire\, from February 9 to February 12\, 2026. The workshop brought together forty-five (45) fellows from nine (9) African countries\, along with facilitators\, guests of honor\, and keynote speakers\, for four days of refining draft dissertation proposals\, chapters\, and manuscripts based on program-supported research findings\, while engaging in peer-to-peer discussions\, networking\, and mentorship from highly experienced facilitators. \n On February 9th\, the first day\, the workshop commenced with an introductory statement by Dr. Arsène Brice Bado\, the Director of the Centre de Recherche et d’Action pour la Paix (CERAP)\, who welcomed everyone to Abidjan and CERAP. Dr. Bado emphasized that Abidjan is a fitting and meaningful setting for the workshop\, as CERAP engages many of the realities being studied across the continent. He also highlighted the importance of the APDD program for African scholars\, who\, he noted\, “must be central producers of knowledge about Africa: theoretically grounded\, empirically rich\, and ethically engaged.” \nDr. Cyril Obi\, Program Director of the SSRC’s African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD)\, in his opening remarks expressed gratitude to all participants. Dr. Obi highlighted the significance of the Social Science Research Council’s ability to nurture generations of scholars across the world. He also thanked the APDD program’s funder\, the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Dr. Obi celebrated the partnership with CERAP\, which he noted\, is groundbreaking because it marks the first time in recent years that a regional center of excellence in francophone Africa is hosting an APDD workshop. Finally\, Dr. Obi reaffirmed that African scholars must “give back” to Africa during these turbulent times. \nGuest of Honor Mr. Adama Coulibaly (representing N’Guessan Koffi\, the Minister of National Education\, Literacy\, and Technical Training) thanked Dr. Arsène Brice Bado for the invitation and commended the SSRC and CERAP for supporting African researchers\, for holding the Writing and Dissemination Workshop in Côte d’Ivoire. He also encouraged participants to use their research at the service of peace. Research\, he stressed\, is expected by educational institutions\, local authorities\, and communities to strengthen social cohesion and support inclusive development. \nProf. Leonardo Arriola\, from the University of California\, Merced\, presented the first Keynote Lecture\, “The Politics of Writing and the Writing of Politics: Making Research on African Peace and Governance Matter.” His PowerPoint presentation highlighted that a barrier to stronger African scholarly publications on peace and governance is how high the Annual Submission Rate is compared to the Acceptance Rate. There is also a lack of structure and thought put into manuscripts\, given that journals and programs are already oversaturated with them. Due to this oversaturation\, applications often need to stand out. He stated how often manuscripts are rejected for weak writing and arguments\, not for a lack of relevant data or theory; thus\, some genuinely good ideas never travel. Drawing from his experience as a journal editor\, he explained that many strong manuscripts submitted for consideration for publication are sometimes rejected because the arguments were unclear\, particularly in cases where the theory is already implicit\, and the evidence is not connected to claims. In his words\, “clarity is not neutrality.” \nThe keynote plenary session was followed by working group sessions where APDD Individual Research and Doctoral Dissertation fellows engaged with their mentors and peers\, presented their draft manuscripts/chapters\, and received feedback. The day concluded with everyone returning to the hotel. \n \nWith the launch day being a success\, we interviewed Daniel Lifuka Sichinga (Research 2025\, University of Cape Town) on how his research has evolved since the 2025 Research Methods Workshop. \n \nOn February 10\, the second day\, Opening Remarks were made by Jean Marc Hovi\, the National Coordinator of WANEP. He welcomed everyone to the workshop\, stating it is an honour to speak to those bringing together peace and democracy to the African continent. He encouraged researchers to hone their understanding of the social and political realities of modern-day democracy in Africa\, so they can truly support it. This\, he stressed\, will strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions. \nRemarks were also made by Madame Malékah MOURAD-CONDE\, the Director General of Côte d’Ivoire Tourisme\, who stated her joy at seeing many new visitors to the special city of Abidjan. She expressed hope that the intersection of research and peace would continue to be realized among the fellows\, and that this workshop happening in Abidjan\, with CERAP\, is particularly meaningful due to their own focus on peacebuilding research. \n  \nThe second Keynote Lecture\, “AI and Transformative Indigenous Knowledge: Global Disruptions\, Africa and the Challenge of Reimagining a Better World\,” was delivered by Prof. Iginio Gagliardone from the University of the Witwatersrand\, South Africa. He argued that Africa’s “digital moment” should not just be about technological advancement\, but should question who defines\, governs\, and enforces power\, sovereignty\, and knowledge in the digital age. Prof. Gagliardone argued that “Africa is not a passive recipient on the stage of global tech\,” but “an active participant who can create an alternative vision of digital governance.? He also pushed back against the narrative that “Africa lacks an X factor.” \nThe lively Q&A session engaged largely with questions around ethical dilemmas surrounding AI\, and how the continent can take ownership of technological advances while relying less on Western output. Afterward\, the keynote was followed by the workshop group sessions. \n \nOn February 11th\, the third day of the workshop\, fellows continued with their working group sessions in the morning. Following the completion of the mentorship one-on-one sessions\, fellows visited historical and cultural sites in Grand Bassam\, a town near Abidjan. Other notable sites visited included the National Costume Museum\, Grand Bassam Beach\, and some local markets in Abidjan. The day ended with a welcome dinner for all participants in Abidjan. \n \nOn February 12th\, the final day of the workshop\, six fellows engaged in a panel discussion\, “Research-Based Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Perspectives Toward an Ethical Framework for African Peacebuilding Scholarship\,” moderated by Dr. Cyril Obi. The panel explored both the possibilities and contradictions embedded in the central question: Is it possible to use AI effectively in African peacebuilding scholarship? \nProf. George Karekwaivanane\, from the University of Edinburgh\, Scotland\, opened with a reflection on the limits of AI for academic growth. Drawing from experience as a professor and mentor\, he argued that AI is not a substitute for originality and critical thought. However\, he recommended that AI be used to save time on some research-related activities for those getting their Master’s or PhDs. \nDr. Pamela Khanakwa\, from Makerere University\, Uganda\, reiterated the risk of AI compromising or erasing an academic’s unique voice. She noted that when reading dissertations\, she could tell where AI was used because she could tell where two different voices appeared in the writing. She advocated for researchers to take ownership of their work. “If AI doesn’t allow us to grow our own voices as scholars\, then what are we doing?” \nEugenia Anderson (IRF 2025)\, from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology\, Ghana\, reflected on how AI can be used to exacerbate existing tensions between disparate groups. She advised against wrongly using AI\, and to deeply consider “the ways we can use it correctly. ” \nDr. Dickson Okello (IRF 2025) from Egerton University\, Kenya\, spoke on issues related to ethics and transparency about AI use in writing for journals. He challenged the audience to consider how to ethically use AI as African researchers\, as AI can be a useful tool for building their capacity for efficiently producing high quality writing. \nOsasumwen Edobor (2025 APDD Doctoral Proposal Fellow) from Baze University\, Nigeria\, submitted that the question of AI use sits at the conjunction between transparency and ingenuity. Arguing that since AI was so new\, it would be impossible for African scholars to have all the answers on how it should be effectively used for research. She admitted that while African ownership was important\, AI was helpful in carrying out mundane tasks. \nIzu Sichinga (IRF 2025) from the University of Cape Town\, South Africa\, emphasized the importance of accessibility and integrity when using AI. He illustrated his position by showing how the University of Cape Town seeks to promote accessibility and integrity with AI use among students\, including the provision of strict guidelines for its usage. He argued persuasively that one can navigate ethical AI use\, without judging and ruling it out completely. \nThe panel discussion included a productive interactive Question-and-Answer session. \n \nThe workshop concluded with a closing ceremony\, during which Dr. Cyril Obi expressed gratitude to all attendees and participants\, and appreciated a workshop that\, once again\, fostered meaningful connections on the African continent. Certificates were presented to all participants\, by one of the guests of honor\, Madame Malékah MOURAD-CONDE\, the Director General of Côte d’Ivoire Tourisme (Ivory Coast Tourism Board). We also briefly interviewed a fellow\, Aphiwe Mhlangulana (Research 2026)\, on her research project\, “Black African Women Journalists and Bloggers Experiences of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.” \n \nAfterward\, we also enjoyed a discussion with Osasumwen Edobor (Proposal 2026) on how the APDD workshop has ultimately impacted her academic career and personal life. \n \nThe APDD program would like to thank all of the fellows\, mentors\, keynote lecturers\, guests of honor\, and members of CERAP for their participation\, enthusiasm\, support\, and commitment to the program. \nhttps://www.ssrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/en-Ivory-Coast-Newsclip.mp4\nThe APDD program is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/february-2026-apdd-writing-and-dissemination-workshop/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T213000
DTSTAMP:20260820T154105Z
CREATED:20260212T214529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T154105Z
UID:10000912-1772740800-1772746200@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Guarding the Pillars of Democracy: Legislative Transparency and the Future of Governance in Asia
DESCRIPTION:In an era marked by a global democratic recession\, Asia stands at a critical juncture. The region increasingly faces executive aggrandizement\, where political leaders gradually dismantle institutional checks\, threatening the integrity of governance systems. This Abe Fellows Global Forum presents a pioneering response to this transnational challenge: the co-creation of the Asian Parliamentary Transparency Index (APTI). Spearheaded by the Asian Alliance for Parliamentary Openness\, this initiative moves beyond standard political analysis to engage in strategic democratic engineering. By operationalizing a novel assessment framework\, we are establishing a future-proof system of diagonal accountability—empowering civil society to constrain power and demand openness when traditional vertical and horizontal mechanisms fail. Drawing on Japan’s established leadership in digital governance and e-participation\, this project bridges the gap between academic scholarship and policy practice. It unites scholars and Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations (PMOs) from across Asia to design robust safety nets for legislative integrity. This forum explores how transnational civil society networks are not merely observing political decline but actively constructing the infrastructure for democratic resilience. Join us to examine how rigorous\, evidence-based transparency tools can safeguard the human condition and protect the rights of future generations against the encroachment of authoritarianism. \n\nAbout Abe Global\nThe Abe Fellows Global Forum (Abe Global) brings Abe Fellow research and expertise on pressing issues of global concern to broader audiences. Abe Global hosts events each year in partnership with academic and civic organizations throughout the United States. Abe Global is an initiative of the Abe Fellows Network\, the Social Science Research Council\, and the Japan Foundation New York. \nPast Abe Global Events
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/guarding-the-pillars-of-democracy-legislative-transparency-and-the-future-of-governance-in-asia/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261205
DTSTAMP:20260915T143608Z
CREATED:20260806T180042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T143608Z
UID:10000915-1796342400-1796428799@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Schools of Democracy: Higher Education and Social Capital Formation
DESCRIPTION:Event Details\nEvent Date: December 4\, 2026\nLocation: Westin Grand Central\, New York\, NY \nOn Friday\, December 4\, 2026\, the Social Science Research Council will convene institutional leaders from the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, together with leaders of philanthropic organizations and other research partners. Our theme for this year’s conference will be “Schools of Democracy: Higher Education and Social Capital Formation.” \nAre today’s colleges and universities schools of democracy? At a time when institutions are under increasing scrutiny and strain\, this conference will examine how higher education can strengthen social networks\, build shared values\, and bolster civic trust. Speakers include Robert Putnam (Harvard)\, author of “Bowling Alone” and “The Upswing\,” as well as Hahrie Han (Johns Hopkins)\, author of “Undivided” and “How Organizations Develop Activists”  and Margaret Levi (Stanford)\, author of “Of Rule and Revenue” and “Consent\, Dissent\, and Patriotism.” \nRegister Here \nInstitutions\, including those of democracy\, exist to solve collective action problems like free-riding and the tragedy of the commons. Together\, we will consider higher education’s critical role not just in developing human capital that enables individuals to compete in the job market\, but also in developing social capital that enables groups to cooperate on overcoming shared challenges. \nThis year’s conference will be held at the Westin Grand Central in midtown Manhattan\, with the program running from 10:00am – 5:00pm and a reception immediately following\, from 5:00-7:00pm. We will open the day with a Deans’ Breakfast at the SSRC’s new office space nearby\, open to registration from deans overseeing the social and behavioral sciences.  \nFor more information about the conference or the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, SSRC Chief of Staff\, at marshall@ssrc.org. \nRSVP Form\n
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2026-cuf-rsvp/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261205
DTSTAMP:20260915T143517Z
CREATED:20260729T200311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T143517Z
UID:10000914-1796342400-1796428799@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:Schools of Democracy: Higher Education and Social Capital Formation
DESCRIPTION:Event Details\nEvent Date: December 4\, 2026\nLocation: Westin Grand Central\, New York\, NY \nOn Friday\, December 4\, 2026\, the Social Science Research Council will convene institutional leaders from the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, together with leaders of philanthropic organizations and other research partners. Our theme for this year’s conference will be “Schools of Democracy: Higher Education and Social Capital Formation.” \nAre today’s colleges and universities schools of democracy? At a time when institutions are under increasing scrutiny and strain\, this conference will examine how higher education can strengthen social networks\, build shared values\, and bolster civic trust. Speakers include Robert Putnam (Harvard)\, author of “Bowling Alone” and “The Upswing\,” as well as Hahrie Han (Johns Hopkins)\, author of “Undivided” and “How Organizations Develop Activists”  and Margaret Levi (Stanford)\, author of “Of Rule and Revenue” and “Consent\, Dissent\, and Patriotism.” \nRegister Here \nInstitutions\, including those of democracy\, exist to solve collective action problems like free-riding and the tragedy of the commons. Together\, we will consider higher education’s critical role not just in developing human capital that enables individuals to compete in the job market\, but also in developing social capital that enables groups to cooperate on overcoming shared challenges. \nThis year’s conference will be held at the Westin Grand Central in midtown Manhattan\, with the program running from 10:00am – 5:00pm and a reception immediately following\, from 5:00-7:00pm. We will open the day with a Deans’ Breakfast at the SSRC’s new office space nearby\, open to registration from deans overseeing the social and behavioral sciences.  \nConference registration is open to attendees from member institutions of the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences. For more information about the conference or the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, SSRC Chief of Staff\, at marshall@ssrc.org. \nRSVP Form\n
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2026-college-and-university-fund-conference-rsvp/
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END:VCALENDAR