The German Association for Asian Studies (DGA) is turning 50 in 2017. During its 50 years of history, the DGA has observed, analysed, and commented on the tremendous transformations in modern Asia, in Asian–European relations, as well as in the academic environment both in Asia and in Europe. At the same time, the DGA has itself undergone a number of changes and adapted its flagship publication ASIEN to the needs of the internationalisation of research and the digitalisation of information. Most importantly, the DGA today features a number of working groups and circles organised by members with common regional interests, and strongly supports its working group of young scientists studying Asia.

To celebrate its 50 years of history the DGA bi-annual conference will convene 16-18 May 2017 in Hamburg, where the DGA was first founded in 1967. The event will commence with a reception at Hamburg city hall on 16 May, followed by an academic conference on 17 May, and then a public event organised jointly with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the German Asia Pacific Business Association on 18 May. During the academic conference, four panels will offer a space in which to discuss the political, social, and economic dimensions of transition in Asia in the light of current global challenges.

The academic conference is jointly organized with the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) and takes place at the GIGA headquarters Hamburg, Neuer Jungfernstieg 21. The conference is open for participants, but registration for the various events is required. Please contact: [email protected] and [email protected].