Applied Anthropology Network (AAN) is the main European platform dedicated to the exchange of information and experiences related to practical applications of anthropology and ethnography. The network enables a circular transfer of knowledge between academia, private and public sectors, NGOs, interest groups, students and other individuals. The network is part of the European Association for Social Anthropologists.
What is AAN and how is it organised? Download and read our “Playbook”
Mission
- Popularize the value of anthropological methods and theories for practical problem-solving in different areas and sectors.
- Support the work of (applied) anthropologists, highlighting and discussing its value in both academic and non-academic spaces.
- Build bridges that foster new cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral professional collaborations, and improve the presence of anthropologists in non-academic spaces.
- Provide a networking platform for mutual support; facilitate job-matching, project opportunities, and guidance to the wider community.
Vision
- Working towards a world, in which anthropology is a relevant discipline with significant weight in decision-making, policies, and design.
- Working towards a world, in which anthropological theory and practice in society, business, industry and governance foster innovation based on people’s needs and socio-culturally differentiating factors.
- Working towards a world, in which the presence of anthropologists in non-academic spaces is bold, sought-after and on the rise.
- Working towards a world, in which relationships between academic spaces and fields of application (NGOs, companies, governments) are supportive and beneficial.
Activities
- the network organizes an annual symposium, called “Why the World Needs Anthropologists” (WWNA) and arranges satellite events
- develops educational activities and fosters scholarly debate (#impulses and #fuckupfridays)
- supports publication activities of the network members
- assists in hosting panels and presentations at academic conferences
- holds network meetings at WWNA event and EASA biennial conference
- organizes itself via mailing list, Slack and Applied Anthro Collaboration Group
- shares relevant content in social media, applied-anthropology and a network newsletter
Membership
In 2021, the network served 300+ scholars and practitioners active in 50 countries, and numerous social media users (Facebook 13500+, LinkedIn 3600+, Twitter 1000+, Instagram 1700+, Applied Anthro Collab Group 2000+).
All anthropology enthusiasts and professional practitioners are welcome to join. EASA AAN membership is free. However, if you decide to join EASA as a paying member, you will enjoy other EASA benefits.
- Fill in EASA AAN Registration Form (Google Form)
- (optional) Create a marker in Membership Map (Google Maps)
Structure and Activity Reports
The Network is organised by a rotating team of volunteers that are passionate about applied anthropology, who work collaboratively and remotely.
- To learn more, download and read “Playbook”
- AAN Activity Report 2020
- AAN Activity Report 2019
- AAN Activity Report 2018
- AAN Activity Report 2017
- AAN Activity Report 2016
