Leeds University Centre for African Studies (LUCAS) is an interdisciplinary centre at the University of Leeds, and has members from a variety of faculties who share an interest in African Studies. The English, Geography, History and Politics and International Studies (POLIS) schools at the University of Leeds are all closely linked to LUCAS. The current director is Professor Jane Plastow.
LUCAS runs a seminar series every year, currently chaired by Dr. Gabrielle Lynch, and invites speakers on a variety of topics around the general theme of Africa[1]. In 2009, LUCAS ran a conference on Democratization in Africa: Retrospective and Future Prospects, which attracted academics from around the world[2].
The centre has close links to the Review of African Political Economy (ROAPE), the deputy chair of which is Professor Ray Bush and the position of chair was previously held by Professor Lionel Cliffe, both of whom are members of the LUCAS advisory board. Furthermore ROAPE hosted a series of panels at LUCAS' 2009 Democratization in Africa Conference.
LUCAS also publishes an annual Leeds African Studies Bulletin.