Education, Research
Call for participants: workshop migration policy in autocratizing countries
Online workshop
Are you doing research on migration policy in a country that is facing democratic backsliding or breakdown, or that is deepening its already-autocratic character? Are you struggling with how to best do your research so that it is meaningful and scientifically sound yet safe for you and research participants? Then this online workshop might be for you.
- 23-24 September 2024
- 14:00-17:00 (CET)
- online
From the desk to the field
What will it cover?
As part of the NWO-funded VENI research project ‘Immigration Policy in Times of Autocratization’ led by Katharina Natter at Leiden University and supported by the International Migration Institute (IMI), we are organising an online workshop on researching migration policy in autocratizing contexts.
The goal is to share methodological insights about how to systematically track migration policies worldwide, as well as how to conduct qualitative fieldwork in challenging contexts. It is also meant to foster a space of mutual learning amongst the participants.
This online workshop is open internationally and will be conducted entirely in English.
How will it be structured?
In order to allow participation from around the world, the workshop is structured in two 3-hours online sessions, from 2pm-5pm Amsterdam time on 22 and 23 September 2025. The sessions will zoom into desk-based policy research and fieldwork in autocratizing contexts. It will offer hands-on insights and opportunities for reflection into data collection and analysis, including:
- Navigating different national and legal contexts
- Evaluating the quality and content of sources
- Safe fieldwork and interviewing
- Collaborating with research partners
- Positionality in data collection and analysis
The sessions combine concise presentations with active participant input, including moderated breakout sessions that allow participants to share experiences, ask questions, and reflect on their own research challenges. The format is designed to foster knowledge-building, highlight lessons learned from fieldwork, and provide space for networking and peer exchange across regions and research backgrounds.
To ensure fruitful exchanges and engagement, participants are expected to attend both sessions of the workshop.
Who is it for?
The workshop is meant to offer an opportunity for anyone already working on migration policy to learn more about collecting data in autocratizing contexts, to connect with fellow migration experts, and actively reflect about your own working practices.
In case of high demand, preference will be given to participants with mid-level academic or professional backgrounds, including advanced Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals affiliated with think tanks, international organisations, or government research units who are currently researching migration policies in autocratizing contexts.
Organizers
- Dr Katharina Natter, Project lead. Katharina is Senior Assistant Professor at the Institute of Political Science at Leiden University and Fellow at the International Migration Institute (IMI). She researches migration politics from a comparative perspective, with a focus on the role of political regimes in immigration policy.
- Leila El Euldj, Research Assistant. Leila holds an MA in International Relations from Leiden University and has worked on social sciences research across academia, government, and research institutes. Her research has focused on politics, migration, gender, and culture.
- Natalia Zakharchenko, Research Assistant. Natalia is a PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, researching socio-economic rights and international law. Natalia has worked with a range of national and international NGOs and research institutions on issues related to human rights, migration, and conflict.
Applications
- Apply before 10 July 2025, using this webform.
Please note that in order to keep the workshop engaging and interactive, we will cap it at 20 participants. We will review applications after the deadline and aim to confirm registration by 1 August 2025. We will also keep a reserve list.