We strive to achieve the best possible cooperation between Roma and non-Roma in all areas of education and research, and to use scholarly methods that are
emancipatory and employ critical perspectives on power. For example:

• awareness of engagement with critical theories,
• emphasis on antigypsyism analysis,
• interdisciplinary perspectives on Roma rights,
  
• Acknowledgement and promotion of Roma scholarship,
• cooperation with the Roma community in Sweden and internationally, as well as with Roma academics and public agencies that are tasked with strengthening Roma rights.

Historically, and in the present day, Romani Studies is a discipline that carries a colonial charge, where Roma have been objectified, exotified and essentialised. More recently, a new focus has developed, that of Critical Romani Studies. Södertörn University wishes to contribute to the development of this critical turn through scholarly partnerships.

Scholarly partnerships and SACROS network

The department of Critical Romani Studies at Södertörn university has Erasmus collaboration with the Roma Program at the Central European University (Budapest/Vienna) and with the Research Centre on Antigypsyism at Heidelberg University.

To improve research infrastructure and collaboration between scholars of the field at different universities in Sweden, the department started the Swedish Network for Antigypsyism Research and Critical Romani Studies (SACROS), which had its inaugural conference “Antigypsyism: history and memory” December 2024.

Colloquium for doctoral students

Romani Studies at Södertörn University is organising an international colloquium for doctoral students who have a research interest in Critical Romani studies and research on antigypsyism. Discussions will be led by Jan Selling, Professor in Critical Romani Studies and Associate Professor in history and supported by guest lecturers.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet online on several occasions to discuss ongoing and planned research, articles, drafts and other ideas. It is also a chance to exchange thoughts. Ideas and experiences with other researchers in the same. Our colloquium can be regarded as a complement to the supervision and seminars you already benefit from in your doctoral education.´

Jan Selling’s research areas are Roma history, the history of Roma liberation, historical injustice and critical theory and antiziganism. Please contact Jan Selling for more information.