Ongoing projects

The research questions in my ongoing projects address current problems in migration and integration research. The projects also have a strong interdisciplinary character and establish mutual references, especially between sociology and economics. National and international cooperation with leading migration researchers, innovative analyses with Big Data, as well as cross-national comparative research designs increase the scientific competitiveness of the IAB. Longer-term cooperative relationships with university and non-university research institutions in Germany and abroad promote IAB’s internationalization efforts.

International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa)
Return and onward migration raises numerous new research questions that are of high political, societal and socio-economic relevance. However, existing data on return migration is sparse and contradictory, making precise analysis difficult.In the planned project, a survey of returnees and emigrants will be developed to address questions on return migration and circular migration.

SEEING YOUR RELIGION – REGIONAL VARIATION OF DISCRIMINATION AND RACISM AGAINST MUSLIMS IN THE GERMAN LABOR MARKET

The Seeing your religion project is part of the Research Network on Discrimination and Racism (FoDiRa) and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSJ). The project investigates from an intersectional perspective the role of employers and regional factors in explaining specific disadvantages of Muslim women and Muslims.

SURVEY OF UKRAINIAN REFUGEES 2022

Building on the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees, IAB will conduct a register-based longitudinal survey of Ukrainian refugees in cooperation with BiB, BAMF and SOEP starting in mid-2022. This representative survey will provide information on the flight history, educational, employment, and income situation, health status, and various networks of Ukrainian refugees in Germany. In addition, those willing to be surveyed will transition to the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees in 2023, which will allow for a comparison between different groups of refugees. A complementary linkage with the IAB Integrated Employment Biographies (IEB) will create a long-term basis for analyzing Ukrainian refugees.

SUARE: Longitudinal Study of Ukrainian Refugees (DFG).

The project establishes the data infrastructure building on the survey instruments developed in the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees. At the same time, it conducts its own research on key issues related to flight from Ukraine and the social and structural integration of refugees from Ukraine. I am co-PI together with Herbert Brücker (IAB, BIM, HU), Stefan Liebig (DIW), and Sabine Zinn (DIW).

NATURALIZATION INTENTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES IN GERMANY.

Using an experimental vignette design, inserted into the IAB-SOEP migration sample and the IAB-BAMF-SOEP sample of refugees, this project investigates to what extent and to what extent the institutional framework of the naturalization process structures the naturalization intentions of different groups of immigrants in Germany. In light of the coalition agreement to liberalize legal provisions (such as shortening the waiting period and allowing dual citizenship), the project is particularly relevant for policymakers. Research collaboration with Andreas Damelang, FAU.

PECULIARITIES OF REFUGEE INTEGRATION

This project focuses in particular on largely overlooked aspects related to lengthy asylum procedures, religiosity, and self-identification and sense of belonging. Research collaboration with Agnieszka Kanas, Erasmus University, Frank van Tubergen, Utrecht University