It is with deep regret that the after much consideration the ASAUK Council has decided to cancel the 28th biennial ASAUK conference in Cardiff.
Despite being a few months away, the global uncertainty of COVID-19 and the practicalities of travelling, particularly for our international colleagues, even if the pandemic has ended, are too uncertain to continue with the arrangements.
There will be a range of consequences that follow from this decision, which we will have to find ways to mitigate in the coming months. Please bear with us as we seek new ways to support our members, through this difficult and unprecedented situation. Two immediate issues that arise and are tied to our conference are the ASAUK AGM, and Fage and Oliver; and Audrey Richards Prizes and the Distinguished Africanist Award.
ASAUK AGM
Our AGM was due to be held as part of the conference, at Cardiff University on 10 September. This will no longer be possible. We will communicate with members through our usual channels about alternative arrangements. We are investigating the possibility of using virtual means to host an AGM, but there will be an inevitable delay whilst we work through the logistical challenges of this.
Prize-winners
We will, as planned, announce the winners of the Fage and Oliver; and Audrey Richards Prizes and the Distinguished Africanist Award on Wednesday 9 September 2020, but we will do so through our online channels. We will also work towards finding a way to bring members together to celebrate the achievements of all of our prize-winners as soon as it is possible for us to do so.
We are very disappointed not to be able to welcome you to Cardiff in September and hope that members and conference delegates will understand why we have cancelled the conference, and we very much hope to find a way to facilitate colleagues in continuing their fruitful and meaningful conversations.