The VU Amsterdam Winter School 2026 has officially opened registration for its transformative course, “Decolonising Scholarship”, led by Dr. Nadira Omarjee. Running from 12–30 January 2026, this online program offers a dynamic space for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to engage in decolonial feminist scholarship, rethinking research methodologies and pedagogies toward justice, healing, and inclusivity.

This interactive course invites scholars to question traditional academic hierarchies, explore community-led research models, and embrace indigenous knowledge systems that redefine how we understand and produce knowledge.

Course Overview

The Decolonising Scholarship course seeks to create a participatory environment where scholars rethink the intersections of research, pedagogy, and activism. The course draws on the Freirian praxis of critical learning through sharing—encouraging participants to co-create weekly agendas and discussions based on collective needs and consultation.

This approach allows scholars to engage directly with alternative, critical, and justice pedagogies, as well as research methodologies grounded in decolonial feminism. The course framework encourages reflection, recognition, and repair—pushing participants to move beyond the traditional scholar’s role as the sole “knower” and toward collaboration and community engagement.

Sessions will creatively blur the boundaries between art, activism, and scholarship, emphasizing the importance of integrating ontology and epistemology in research design. Through journaling, dialogue, and interactive sessions, scholars will cultivate a deeper understanding of how to produce knowledge rooted in justice and relational ethics.

Course Details

• Dates: 12–30 January 2026

• Format: Online, interactive seminars and workshops

• Instruction Language: English

• Assessment: Self-reflexive essay and presentation

• Credits: Equivalent to 3 ECTS

• Workload: 30 contact hours and 54 self-study hours

• Eligibility: PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers (English B2 level or higher)

The course emphasizes African radical communitarianism, drawing inspiration from the principles of Ubuntu (humanity), Uhuru (freedom), and Ujamaa (community cooperation). This philosophical framework challenges hierarchical relationships in academia and instead promotes collective learning and social responsibility.

Pedagogical and Methodological Approach

At the heart of this course lies a decolonial feminist methodology that positions conversation as a method of healing and learning. Using logotherapy—the practice of dialogue for growth—the course bridges theory and practice by linking academic research to community realities.

Through this approach, scholars will:

• Learn how to design community-driven research

• Explore justice-oriented pedagogies that prioritize inclusivity

• Examine the ontological and epistemological implications of decolonial research

• Develop skills in self-reflexivity and critical inquiry

• Reimagine the scholar as a participant rather than an observer

Participants are encouraged to view the course as a space for collective creativity, where research can also take the form of art, activism, or storytelling. A comprehensive bibliography and digital archive—including social media platforms, blogs, and vlogs—will serve as evolving resources throughout the course.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion, scholars will be equipped to apply a decolonial feminist lens in their research and teaching, helping them understand how colonial frameworks have historically erased the lived experiences of marginalized communities. They will gain tools to foster epistemic integrity and integrate indigenous perspectives in their academic practice.

The course’s transformative impact lies in its ability to cultivate critical consciousness—helping participants rethink justice, power, and knowledge production through an ethical and relational lens. It also encourages participants to integrate environmental justice into their frameworks by adopting a rights-based approach to the Earth as a living being.

Who Can Apply

The course is primarily open to:

• PhD and postdoctoral researchers exploring decolonial feminist methodologies

• Faculty members interested in incorporating decolonial frameworks into their teaching and research

• Scholars seeking to engage in community-led, justice-oriented research

Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of decolonial feminism to their research questions and be willing to contribute to a collaborative and participatory learning environment.

Application form.

Enrollment Options

Participants can register as either:

• Certified Participants: Gain full access to lectures, workshops, and graded assignments, and receive a certificate with study credits.

• Auditor Participants: Attend lectures and workshops at a discounted rate (minus €100) without participating in graded assignments or receiving credits.

For questions about eligibility or registration, contact: graduatewinterschool@vu.nl.

Registration is now open—secure your place in this thought-provoking course and become part of a growing movement to decolonize scholarship and reimagine research for justice.

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