Reframing Research Cluster: A New Direction Toward Justice and Equity

After a series of thoughtful discussions among the cluster members, a decision has been taken to reframe the cluster's direction in order to better respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities in the study of migration. 

While migration remains central to our research agenda, this reframing marks a deliberate and necessary expansion of our scope. The aim is to actively integrate contemporary postcolonial experiences and highlight the urgency of adopting decolonial perspectives in our analysis. By exploring migration through the lenses of justice, equity, and belonging, we seek to create a space that encourages the reimagining of societies, while also critically examining how decolonization can shape our collective futures.

Why this shift?

There are several compelling reasons behind this reframing. First, we hope to foster a more inclusive research environment that welcomes a diverse range of scholarly contributions. We aim to engage not only Social Sciences but also the Arts and Humanities, with a particular emphasis on postcolonial perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach—blending both theoretical and empirical research—will allow us to more effectively address the complexities of contemporary migration and engage with ongoing debates in this critical field.

Second, we are acutely aware of the global shifts currently underway. Across the world, anti-migrant rhetoric, the erosion of democracy and citizenship rights, and the intensification of border policing are increasingly becoming priorities for states, even in liberal democracies. These trends not only have profound impacts on migrants’ lives but also challenge foundational concepts of justice, belonging, and human rights—particularly in a postcolonial context.

Through this reframing, we aspire to make a meaningful contribution to these urgent and evolving conversations. Our cluster will work to illuminate the intersectional and global nature of contemporary migration issues, with a focus on addressing the underlying structures of inequality and the ongoing effects of colonial legacies.

We look forward to engaging with scholars and practitioners who share our commitment to advancing these critical discussions and to exploring new possibilities for justice and belonging in a rapidly changing world.