Faculty-led affinity groups create opportunities for faculty to contribute to the global mission of the UI, advance research and teaching through a focus on trans-collegiate issues and perspectives, provide opportunities for faculty and students across disciplines to interact and collaborate, and develop public engagement projects to benefit communities in Iowa and abroad. The affinity groups are supported by International Programs and host public lectures, workshops, and symposia on a range of topics.
African Studies Program
The African Studies Program helps students gain a broader understanding of African history and contemporary life in Africa and provides an environment of cooperation and collaboration among students and faculty that leads to increased opportunities for research and teaching.
Anne Frank Initiative
The Anne Frank Initiative (AFI) commits to investigating Anne Frank’s literary contributions, her ongoing legacy, and all that she represents in a more globalized, international, and contemporary context. It opens the door for intellectual minds to create opportunities for research, pedagogy, and artistic output that strive for advocacy.
Center for Asian and Pacific Studies
The Center for Asian and Pacific Studies promotes teaching, research, and outreach related to East and Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific area.
European Studies Group
The European Studies Group coordinates research projects, lectures and panel discussions, a multidisciplinary curriculum, and other events focusing on European issues.
Food Studies Group
The Food Studies Group brings together faculty across disciplines to examine every aspect of the production, preparation, and consumption of food. It provides a space for faculty to share research, develop curricular initiatives, and build new collaborations around food studies.
Global Exchange Network
The Global Exchange Network fosters collaboration among faculty, staff, and students interested in global exchange. It supports the development and sharing of innovative approaches, including virtual exchange and other internationally focused learning experiences that connect the University of Iowa with partners around the world.
Iowa Global Health Network
The Iowa Global Health Network is an interdisciplinary group of scholars at the University of Iowa whose research and interests lie in the study of real world health problems and challenges.
Jewish Studies Network
The Jewish Studies Network focuses on Jews, Judaism, and Jewish communities worldwide, from the ancient world to the present day and into the future.
Korean Studies Research Network
The Korean Studies Research Network aims to bring together scholars whose research focuses on Korea-related topics and to provide mentoring to the younger generation of scholars.
Latin American Studies Program
The Latin American Studies Program fosters cross-disciplinary teaching and research in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
South Asian Studies Program
The South Asian Studies Program is devoted to the enhancement of instruction and research and the dissemination of knowledge about India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Southwest Asian and North African Studies Group
The Southwest Asian and North African Studies (SWANA) Group is an interdisciplinary group of faculty and scholars at the University of Iowa whose research and teaching focuses on the region. Members are scholars in such disciplines as history, religious studies, literature, linguistics, translation, and public health.