The Pan-African Initiative for Research (PAIR) is a groundbreaking initiative at the University of Waterloo dedicated to collaborative, community-rooted, and globally engaged research across Pan-African spaces — including Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the global Black diaspora.
Led by Black Pan-African scholars, PAIR centres African and Afro-diasporic knowledge systems, histories, and futures. PAIR builds reciprocal partnerships with local and global communities, ensuring research is conducted with communities, not on them. PAIR welcomes non-African and non-Black researchers engaged in Pan-African work, fostering an inclusive and interdisciplinary research community.
Research with Purpose
Our work advances Pan‑African and Afro‑diasporic scholarship that addresses pressing global challenges.
News
UW assistant professor on her work to eradicate tuberculosis
Dr. Charity Oga-Omenka believes that one day tuberculosis can be eradicated across the globe.
Exploring Black Barbadian Migration to Canada
On February 15, Season 8, Episode 1 of the Dis A Fi Mi History Podcast launches with a powerful conversation on Caribbean migration, identity, and belonging. This episode features Dr. Christopher Stuart-Taylor.
Waterloo Launches PAIR
The University of Waterloo launches the Pan African Initiative for Research (PAIR), a new interdisciplinary research initiative designed to advance collaborative, community rooted, and globally engaged scholarship across Pan African contexts, including Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Afro-diasporic communities worldwide.
Events
LBIH Fridays After 5
Join Laterna Black Innovation Hub (LBIH) 's Fridays After 5, a recurring series rooted in culture and collective care, bringing together students, staff, faculty, and community members. These gatherings are designed as a space to unwind, build community, and celebrate Blackness in all forms.
PAIR Speculative Futures Visiting Writer Series: Shingai Njeri Kagunda
Join us for a hybrid event with award‑winning Afrosurrealist and Afrofuturist storyteller Shingai Njeri Kagunda. Shingai will read from their essay “The Story is Not Yours” followed by a facilitated discussion on identity, linguistic justice, and academic writing. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for those attending in person. Hosted by the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC) in collaboration with the Pan-African Initiative for Research (PAIR).
LBIH Fridays After 5
Join Laterna Black Innovation Hub (LBIH) 's Fridays After 5, a recurring series rooted in culture and collective care, bringing together students, staff, faculty, and community members. These gatherings are designed as a space to unwind, build community, and celebrate Blackness in all forms.