Reflecting on and revitalizing the study of the colonial history of science is crucial today. As European universities face growing challenges from populism and post-truth epistemologies, recognizing their historical role in shaping and advancing knowledge is essential. We still celebrate narratives of scientific progress, unilaterally defend the production of knowledge, and foster collaborations with private and public institutions under the pretext of impact. By scrutinizing the darker aspects of past scientific practices and partnerships, we aim to promote reflection on how knowledge can also restrict freedom and undermine equity.

This package conducts archival and historical research into the coloniality of science. We explore how institutions of science and higher education—both in the Global North and South—were historically entangled with empire, contributing to systems of classification, governance, and exploitation. By revisiting disciplines such as archaeology, botany, anthropology and physical anthropology, we interrogate their colonial legacies and the roles of indigenous actors, field assistants, and the extractive nature of “great expeditions.

Several case studies will be conducted, focusing on the four main topics of our intervention (botanical gardens, anthropological museums, campus, and intangible heritage). Special attention will also be given to archaeology as an example of intellectual colonization of non-European spaces by European scholars. The regions studied include European colonizers (Italy, Denmark, Netherlands), Central European nations involved in the Imperial project (Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria), and former colonies (Mexico, Vietnam, Indonesia, Suriname, South Africa, Ethiopia).

Contributors:

Charles University

• Markéta Křížová (PI)
• Ondřej Crhák
• Nina Wanča

Centro de Investigación y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social

• Luis Escalona Victoria

Aarhus University

• Nick Shepherd

University of Pretoria

• Siona O’Connell

University of Bologna

• Maria Giovanna Belcastro
• Patrizia Battilani
• Monica Azzolini

Utrecht University

• Gertjan Plets
• Richard Calis

University of Geneva:
– Peter Bille Larsen

Designer and creative partner:

• Studio Louter