Directory of Migration Research Institutions

Migration Research

Understanding the movement of people around the world, and its impact on societies, is more important than ever. Although there has been a growing interest in studying migration, no central resource listing all the research centers focused on this topic has existed until now. That is why the Directory of Migration Research Institutions (DMRI) was created (Piccoli, 2023).

A Global Network of Migration Experts

The DMRI shows a vast map of where all the major migration research centers are located. It covers research done between 1945 and 2020, including 282 institutes around the world. These centers bring together experienced researchers and new scholars to study different aspects of international migration.

Why Are These Centers Important?

There are two main reasons why these research centers are crucial. First, migration is a complex phenomenon with many unknowns and difficult choices. Experts at these centers use their knowledge to analyze data, develop new ideas, and provide insights to help policymakers make informed decisions.

Second, these centers act like training grounds for future generations of migration researchers. They offer formal programs but also serve as platforms for informal discussions to help new scholars develop their skills and shape the future of migration studies.

Mapping the Landscape

By listing all these research centers, the DMRI does not just help us understand how the study of migration has developed over time and why there is a conspicuous concentration of research centers in the Global North, it also helps us see who is active in this field. Looking at the data, we can explore how factors like race and gender might influence who gets to study migration, and what perspectives are included or excluded in its research.

Further information:

-Piccoli, L., Ruedin, D. & Geddes, A. A global network of scholars? The geographical concentration of institutes in migration studies and its implications. CMS 11, 16 (2023).