IOB is a semi-autonomous institute within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Antwerp

Our vision: As an institute of development studies, we strive to help build such a world through multidisciplinary academic research, education, partnerships and political engagement.

We offer world-class educational programmes for tomorrow’s agents of change. In our three Advanced Master programmes, we facilitate an exchange of ideas between students and staff from across the globe. We also offer some short-term programmes for professionals, as well as a highly regarded PhD programme.

Our education is built on first-class research. In our research, of which you can read more on our research and outreach page, we want to contribute to real (policy) change through the generation of, and conversation with different kinds of knowledge. While our focus is on the most marginalised countries of the Global South, comparative research can bring us anywhere in this world. Hosting the Great Lakes of Africa Centre for researchers working in an on the Great Lakes Region, we continue to have a special focus on this region.

Welcome to IOB!