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.
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).
UNEQUAL TRAJECTORIES:Spatial dynamics in refugees‘ multidimensional integration (Leibnitz Competition)
Unequal trajectories examines the role of the residential environment and of residential mobility in the integration of two cohorts of refugees in Germany: those who arrived around the year 2015, and Ukrainians who arrived after February 24th 2022. Using innovative analytical approaches and detailed data from various sources, the project investigate what kinds of neighborhoods different refugee groups settle in, and how these neighborhoods, and mobility between them, shape the social, economic and cultural integration of adults and the development of children. The project generates evidence necessary for the design of effective refugee accommodation policies. Unequal trajectories in funded by the Leibnizgesellschaft under the SAW competition program.
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 conducts a register-based longitudinal survey of Ukrainian refugees in cooperation with BiB, BAMF and SOEP starting in mid-2022. This representative survey provides 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 transitioned to the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees in 2023, which allows for a comparison between different groups of refugees. A complementary linkage with the IAB Integrated Employment Biographies (IEB) creates a long-term basis for analyzing Ukrainian refugees.
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