International Workshop

Wednesday, 28 May 2025
University of Neuchâtel

This event is organized by the team of the nccr – on the move research project “Data Politics and New Regimes of Mobility and Control During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic”.

Crises —whether economic collapses, pandemics, natural disasters, or political upheavals— have often been described as powerful catalysts for state interventions that might otherwise be considered politically unfeasible or socially unacceptable. COVID-19, 9/11, the ‘migration crisis’. These crises have motivated the roll-out of digital solutions, sometimes driven by public-private partnerships, a pattern that has recently been described as a ‘smartness mandate’ (Mitchell and Halpern 2023). But rather than following a standard pathway, crisis-driven digitalization is technologically, geographically, institutionally, and politically variegated. Therefore, this workshop has two aims. The first is to explore, beyond ‘shock doctrine’ (Klein 2007) narratives, the diversity of crisis-driven processes of digitalization at local governance level. The second is to interrogate the afterlives and varied impacts of crisis interventions.

More Information and Program (PDF)

The workshop will be held at the University of Neuchâtel, Espace Tilo-Frey, Room R.S.38.
Participation is free of charge but requires registering by e-mail until 19 May.

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Public Lecture Series

Lorenzo Gabrielli, GRITIM-Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Discussant: Christin Achermann, University of Neuchâtel

Thursday 5 June 2025, 18:00 – 19:30 CET

The public lecture will take place at the University of Neuchâtel (Room tba) and on WEBEX.

Program PDF

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Interdisciplinary Workshop

Wednesday, 11 June 2025
08:45 – 17:45
University of Neuchâtel

This interdisciplinary workshop is organized by two nccr – on the move projects:
Narratives of Crisis and Their Influence in Shaping Discourses and Policies of Migration and Mobility and Evolving (Im)Mobility Regimes: Migrant Workers’ Entitlement and Precarization in Times of Crisis.

Migration and crises are framed differently by various actors. Media and politicians often label situations as crises, while migrants and researchers may not see them that way. Contrasting narratives on migration (especially in times of crisis) emerge in public discourse and in academia. The workshop aims to explore these varied views by encouraging interdisciplinary exchange. It focuses on how different types of crises – i.e. socio-political, economic, border and health crises – shape narratives on migration in times of crisis and how counternarratives emerge in response to dominant discourses. By examining the overlaps and differences between diverse scientific approaches, the workshop seeks to foster a deeper, more nuanced understanding of (counter)narratives on migration during crises.

More Information and Program (PDF)

The workshop will be held at the University of Neuchâtel, Rue Abram-Louis Breguet 2, Room 2.310. Please register by 1 June by way of this link.

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Exploring the Multi-Directionality of Migration and Mobility: Barriers and Opportunities

University of Neuchâtel 8-9 July 2025

The Neuchâtel Graduate Conference (NGC) is an international graduate conference organized by the nccr – on the move, Swiss National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) for migration and mobility studies. It provides a stimulating environment in which PhD and Postdoctoral fellows from different universities and research institutions can exchange ideas, establish networks, and initiate collaborative research.

The 8th edition will take place from 8 to 9 July 2025 in Neuchâtel, providing opportunities to meet other researchers in formal and informal gatherings. The topic of this year’s Graduate Conference will be “Exploring the Multi-Directionality of Migration and Mobility: Barriers and Opportunities”.

Event Highlights:

Tuesday, 8 July 2025
11:45 – 13:30 Parallel Roundtables and Workshops: Migration Research, Digital Media, and Journalism: Rethinking Pathways of Collaboration in Times of (Mis)Representations and Non-Governmental Organisations: Key Stakeholders in Migration Management

17:15 – 18:40 Keynote Lecture by James Hollifield: Has Trump Resolved the Liberal Paradox? (PDF)

Wednesday, 9 July 2025
12:00 – 13:30 Workshop and Roundtable: How Can Demigranticization Apply to Integration Studies?

For more information, please first check our FAQ page, then contact Lucas Oesch, the Scientific Officer of the nccr – on the move lucas.oesch@unine.ch.

Registration and full program available mid-June.

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Keynote at the Neuchâtel Graduate Conference

Prof. James Hollifield, Southern Methodist University
Discussant: Sandra Lavenex, University of Geneva, nccr — on the move

Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 17:15 – 18:45
This keynote will take place in person at the University of Neuchâtel, Avenue du 1er-Mars 26, room C46, on WEBEX (link to follow) as well as live-streamed on the nccr – on the move YouTube channel (link to follow).

Program (PDF)

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The 1st prize in our nccr – on the move bag photo competition, launched following the Neuchâtel Graduate Conference for Migration and Mobility Studies 2024, is awarded to Théo Lefort. His striking photo, captured during fieldwork at the Iran-Turkey border, portrays a moment of rest on a cold day amidst the rugged mountainous terrain. This photo captures the challenges and beauty of border landscapes, offering a glimpse into migration research.

The 2nd prize goes to Samuel Okunade, whose photo showcases the dynamic life of Ibadan, Nigeria. Through his lens, we see an urban environment that inspires stories of movement and connection. Lisa Senecal claims the 3rd prize with her delightful depiction of Lisbon’s electrico, the iconic tram that travels through the city’s steep streets. Assisted by her daughter, Lisa’s photo captures the charm of this symbol of mobility.

Finally, a special mention is given to Saeed Husain, whose photograph of the Deosai Plateau in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region served as the inspiration for this competition. The photo, taken near Skardu, celebrates the grandeur and quietness of the landscape, reflecting the relationship between migration/mobility and the natural world.

Congratulations to all the winners! We would also like to thank everyone who participated. Stay tuned as we share more of these incredible photos in the lead-up to #neuchgradconf25.

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