GIGA - German Institute of Global and Area Studies

The GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies lies directly on the Alster River in the heart of Hamburg. The GIGA is the biggest research institute for area studies and comparative area studies in Germany, and one of the biggest in Europe as well. Our research focuses on political, economic and social developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East. GIGA researchers also concentrate on inter-regional linkages and global themes.

The GIGA

• stands for excellent, independent scholarly research in an innovative research milieu, following accepted ethical standards;
• aims to make research results and information as accessible as possible;
• provides knowledge-based consulting and knowledge transfer through well-established, situational socio-economic analyses and assessments of current and future developments: The institute's target audience – the scholarly community, decision-makers in politics and business, media outlets, as well as the general public – are kept abreast of research results through international academic discourse, innovative scholarly articles, and a series of events and publications;
• engages in a lively exchange of scholars and collaborates with leading researchers and institutions on national and international levels: As a result, the GIGA is located at the centre of various scholarly networks;
• participates in an active network helping to strengthening the role of both Hamburg and Germany in international scholarly cooperation;
• believes in providing junior staff with continuing education and a competent support system;
• promotes gender equality and recognises the importance of the work–life balance.