The Bavarian Research Institute of African Studies (BRIAS) was founded in 2014 by four universities: Hochschule Neu-Ulm, University Würzburg, University Bayreuth as well as Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt. The aim of BRIAS is to sensitize key stakeholders in politics and society for the universities’ comprehensive expertise in interdisciplinary research with African partners. At this year’s coordination meeting in early August 2020, the universities reported on current projects in Africa and sharpened BRIAS’ strategic focus.