Migration as a lens through which to study humanity

It may seem a banal observation, yet it bears repeating: migration is one of the most complex and widely debated issues of our time. But both political debate and public discourse more broadly often lack many of the nuances that Olof Åslund, Professor of Economics and Director of the newly established UUniFI Migration, associates with the term.

“Understanding migration and integration in depth requires multiple perspectives. We need social scientists, lawyers, medical researchers, historians, linguists, computer scientists, philosophers and many others around the same table,” he says, describing how migration is not merely a question of people moving between countries, but also a lens through which economies, institutions and social structures can be studied.

Three broad themes

UUniFI Migration is part of Uppsala University Future Institutes (UUniFI) and aims to bring together researchers from different academic disciplines to develop new approaches, data sources and methods for migration research. The institute will also engage with policymakers and other stakeholders across society.

“Migration touches so many aspects of society that it almost compels interdisciplinary perspectives. That is what makes the field particularly interesting,” says Olof Åslund.

Research at UUniFI Migration will revolve around three broad themes: Migration and Society, Migration and Technology, and Migration and Humanity. Together, these themes span issues ranging from labour markets and integration to artificial intelligence, historical migration patterns and fundamental questions about human development.

Researchers come together in an autumn workshop series

The first opportunities for researchers to engage with UUniFI Migration will be presented as early as October through the UUniFI Migration Researcher Workshops series.

“I am pleased that we are able to bring together so many distinguished researchers. They represent the breadth of migration research at Uppsala University,” says Olof Åslund.

The presentations and discussions will address the latest research advances and ongoing projects across a range of fields at the university.

They will also explore relevant and timely, yet still relatively under-researched, avenues for future migration research, as well as potential cross-disciplinary collaborations that can strengthen both the scientific quality of research and its societal relevance.

“My hope is that the workshop series will create space for both in-depth scholarly exchange and the development of new shared research ideas. And, of course, demonstrate how UUniFI Migration can support research on migration and integration,” says Olof Åslund.

Marie-Louise Olsen