About us
The Research Center on Antigypsyism (RCA) is the first specialist institution of its kind to conduct fundamental studies on the causes, forms and consequences of antigypsyism in European societies from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The RCA is affiliated to the Department of History at Heidelberg University. Here, mechanisms of prejudice formation and practices of discrimination are analysed on a historical, theoretical and preferably comparative basis at local, regional, national and transnational levels. The scientific results are analysed in the context of research into racism, stereotypes, violence and inclusion.
We are housed in a prestigious building in Heidelberg's old town below the castle, with a total area of around 110 square metres. The basic funding of 2.5 positions (1 scientific manager; 1 research associate; 0.5 administrative employee) has been provided by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts since 2017. A permanent structure enables the continuous generation of excellent scientific findings in a dynamic research environment.
At a glance
Table
Postal address | Forschungsstelle Antiziganismus Hauptstraße 216 D – 69117 Heidelberg |
Scientific Director | Prof Dr. Tanja Penter (Department of History) |
Scientific Management | Dr. Frank Reuter |
Links
Where to find us
The RCA is located in the heart of Heidelberg's Old Town. Our office is located on the ground floor of Hauptstraße 216. The building is located directly on Karlsplatz. Parking is available in car park P 13 (2 minutes' walk). The nearest public transport stops are ‘Neckarmünzplatz’ or ‘Rathaus/Bergbahn’. The S-Bahn station ‘Heidelberg-Altstadt’ is about a 10-minute walk away.
RCA's self-image
The regular acquisition of third-party funded projects and the promotion of young researchers are key objectives of the RCA. The core team, which works on the basis of basic funding from the state of Baden-Württemberg and consists of a scientific manager, a research associate and an administrative employee, is currently supplemented by nine project staff, three scholarship holders and several assistants. Every year, the RCA organises the ‘Romani Rose Fellowship’ funded by the Manfred Lautenschläger Foundation. In addition, two doctoral scholarships are awarded for three years each in cooperation with the Graduate Academy. The recruitment of academics from the Sinti and Roma communities is an important personnel and research policy concern for us. Another integral part of our work is communicating the topic of antigypsyism as part of university teaching and transferring knowledge to the public, for example through our publication series or event programmes. FSA staff also provide counselling for film and media professionals, memorial sites and the political sphere. In addition, there is a close and diverse exchange with self-organisations of Sinti and Roma.
Library & Collection
On its premises, the RCA has a reference library with around 3,000 media units and a wide-ranging collection that includes historical documents, postcards, films, digital games, esoteric objects and textiles. The holdings are open to researchers, students and interested parties. If you have any questions or suggestions about using the library or the collection, or need help with research, please contact our secretary's office.
