As we look back on 2025, we reflect on a year shaped by exchange, critical dialogue, and collaboration around media, communication, and the Afghanistan diaspora. A key moment was our advocacy event in Berlin, which brought together scholars from the Afghanistan diaspora, policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives. Through keynote remarks, panel discussions, and a Science Slam, the event created visibility for diaspora scholarship and highlighted the urgent need for long-term support and structural inclusion in Germany’s academic and political landscape.
Another highlight was the Summer School Inbetweennesses at Leipzig University, guided by approaches to communication for social change and diaspora communication, workshops and discussions through a decolonial and postcolonial lens.
In October we held our third conference “Transnationalization Begins at Home” at Leipzig University. International and interdisciplinary contributions, along with a diverse audience from within and beyond academia, shaped discussions on dynamics in public communication and reinforced the value of inclusive and transnational perspectives.
The year concluded with a Workshop and Research Colloquium in Bayreuth and Erlangen organized by C4SC (Leipzig University), the University of Bayreuth, and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. The hosts, PD.in Dr.in Mariam Popal (University of Bayreuth) and Prof. Dr. Abbas Poya (University of Erlangen), put together an exciting and packed program.

We sincerely thank all speakers, contributors, and participants who accompanied us throughout the year. We wish you a peaceful holiday season and a happy and successful New Year, and we look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.