Migration and integration are complex and constantly evolving phenomena that require continued research in order to understand and effectively address the challenges and opportunities that arise from the influx of migrants. With a better understanding of the factors that influence the integration process, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective policies and programmes that support the integration of migrants into the host society. Moreover, research on migration and integration can help to dispel myths and stereotypes about migrants and their impact on society, and instead provide a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the realities of migration and its consequences.
The matter is topical in Latvia and the other Baltic States, therefore the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia is actively following and sharing local research, conclusions, and recommendations by researchers in this field. In close cooperation with Nordic organisations, which also provide support to researchers from Latvia, our task is to inform researchers in Latvia about support opportunities and conferences in the field of migration and integration and to promote exchange of knowledge and experience. In this article, two topicalities are covered.
I
The closest major event in the field of migration and integration is the conference “Socio-economic Inclusion on the Ground: from Myriad Contemporary Practices to a Future Systematic Approach”.
The conference will feature presentations and panel discussions by prominent speakers from all Baltic States representing the public, private and NGO sectors, as well as representatives of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the OECD. Alongside researchers and seasoned experts from Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden, Latvia will be represented by Egija Straujuma, Project Coordinator at the Riga Support Centre for Ukrainians, and Dārta Pelse, PROVIDUS Research Fellow on Migration and Integration.
The conference is part of the “FOR-IN/ for Integration (Fostering Refugee and Immigrant Integration)” project. The mission of the project is to strengthen existing initiatives further and apply experience and knowledge of the Nordic Countries. Such synergy would benefit not only local authorities and civil society, but also refugee and immigrant communities and other integration actors.
The conference will take place in Vilnius on February 20–21 on site and remotely (online).
Target audience: government officials, representatives of municipalities, refugee and immigrant organisations, NGOs, and anyone interested in the topic.
Programme: https://bit.ly/3u9cFch
Registration for attendance in person: https://bit.ly/3vKAWph
Registration for Online attendance: https://bit.ly/3Obkrca
Learn more here.
II
NordForsk – a Nordic research support organization – with partners are announcing a Nordic-Baltic call for proposals for research projects on migration and integration. Researchers from Lithuania and Estonia (not Latvia) may also apply. Researchers from research performing organisations in Latvia cannot be funded by this call, however they can participate in the research consortium with their own funding.
The objective of the call is to jointly fund research projects of highest international quality and societal relevance with clear added value from multilateral collaboration. Please note that the research consortium funded by this call must include research performing organisations in at least three Nordic countries, or two Nordic countries and Lithuania and/or Estonia.
The call will address the following themes:
- Integration processes and patterns.
- Social cohesion and inequalities.
- Politics and governance of migration and integration.
Deadline for applications: 14 May.
Learn more here.
