Last July 2024, the INTEGRIM Lab organised a workshop focused on “collaborative migration research”, at the occasion of the IMISCOE annual conference
This gathering brought together representatives from academic and non-academic institutions across Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Participating institutions included: CIDOB, Collège de France, Czech Academy of Sciences, DeZIM Institute, FIERI, Osnabrück Institute of Geography, PICUM, University of A Coruña, University of Bologna, University of Lisbon, University of Paris-Saclay, University of Sussex and of course our own Lab members.
The workshop centred around three main questions:
- Securing Spaces and Funding for Collaboration: How can emerging researchers—those without institutional backing or principal investigators—find spaces and support for long-term collaborative work?
- Balancing Funding with Independence: How can researchers, especially those bridging academia, NGOs, and policy organisations, secure funding without compromising their critical stance on government and policy matters?
- Creating Cross-Organisational Synergies: How can diverse organisations, with different priorities and languages, work together effectively, especially when operational and theoretical goals do not always align?
We had an active and fruitful discussion with the group, and while we did not always agree, a few common arguments emerged:
Balancing Structural and Project-Based Funding
Participants discussed strategies for accessing both structural and project-based funding, each with distinct advantages and challenges. Structural funding provides stability for long-term projects, while project-based funding often comes with specific objectives and shorter timelines. Achieving a balance between these funding types is crucial for sustaining research efforts while allowing flexibility to pursue new ideas and collaborations.
Multiplying Roles: The Many Hats of Today’s Scholars
Today’s scholars in migration research are increasingly expected to take on roles beyond research itself—acting as fundraisers, journalists, social media managers, and advocates. This “multiplication of functions” brings new opportunities for public engagement but also adds pressure, as scholars must stretch their skills across a wide array of tasks to meet the expectations of funding bodies, institutions, and wider audiences.
Navigating Organisational Differences: Language(s) and Sensitivities
A recurring theme was the distinct languages and sensitivities of organisations involved in migration research. Academic institutions may prioritise theoretical and long-term considerations, while NGOs, especially those active in litigation or fieldwork, operate with immediate, practical goals. This mismatch can create challenges but also offers potential for collaboration if differences in priorities and terminologies are acknowledged and addressed openly.
From Knowledge Production to Knowledge-Based Policymaking
Participants noted the significant gap between knowledge production in academia and the demands of knowledge-based policymaking, highlighting that in many contexts—particularly in countries like Italy—dialogue between these spheres is minimal or absent. Academic research often generates broad, in-depth insights that may not align with the specific, actionable focus required for policymaking. Bridging this gap remains a challenge, requiring mechanisms for ongoing, structured dialogue to make research findings relevant and accessible for policy applications.
And the INTEGRIM Lab’s role?
The discussion provided several promising directions for the Lab’s future. Participants emphasised the unique network of connections and collaborations the Lab can foster, envisioning it as a site for productive, cross-sector partnerships. The Lab could become a space that not only resists exploitative pressures within academic and policy-oriented research but also offers an environment where researchers are encouraged to pursue ideas driven by genuine curiosity and personal interest.
While direct policy influence remains challenging, participants suggested that the Lab could play an important role in monitoring policy developments. This approach would allow the Lab to offer insights into policy shifts and trends without the need to compromise its critical independence.
The workshop left us inspired and energised by the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants. The range of ideas and the willingness to tackle difficult questions reinforced the Lab’s mission to foster meaningful, cross-sector collaboration in migration research. The insights and connections from this gathering give us a renewed boost to continue our work—not only as the Lab but in ongoing collaboration with everyone who joined us. We look forward to building on this momentum and exploring future projects together, advancing migration research in ways that bridge divides and support sustainable, impactful outcomes.