Mission

• Popularize the value of anthropological methods and theories for practical problem-solving in different areas and sectors.

• Support the work of (applied) anthropologists, highlighting and discussing its value in both academic and non-academic venues.

• Build bridges that foster new cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral professional collaborations, and improve the presence of anthropologists in non-academic spaces.

• Provide a networking platform for mutual support; facilitate job-matching, project opportunities, and guidance to the wider community.

Vision

• A world, in which anthropology is a relevant discipline with significant weight in decision-making, policies, and design.
• A world, in which anthropological theory and practice in society, business, industry and governance foster innovation based on people’s needs and socio-culturally differentiating factors.
• A world, in which the presence of anthropologists in non-academic spaces is bold, sought-after and on the rise.
• A world, in which relationships between academic spaces and fields of application (NGOs, companies, governments) are supportive and beneficial.

Activities

• The Network organizes an annual symposium called “Why the World Needs Anthropologists” (WWNA) and arranges satellite events
• Develops educational activities and fosters scholarly debate
• Supports publication activities of the network members
• Assists in hosting panels and presentations at academic and other conferences
• Holds network meetings at WWNA event and EASA biennial conference
• Organizes itself via mailing list, Slack and Applied Anthro Collab Group
• Shares relevant content in social media, applied-anthropology and a network newsletter