As part of the project EuroMeSCo: Connecting the Dots, co-funded by the European Union and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), we are opening calls for researchers to take part in five different Joint Study Groups.

The EuroMeSCo Joint Study Groups 2022 will be made up of four Authors, including a Coordinator, who will jointly produce a Policy Study over a period of 6-7 months. Interested researchers may apply as Author or as Author and Coordinator to each Joint Study Group. In both cases, they will have to complete the online form and submit their application by 18 May (included).

Here is a brief description of the rationale of this Joint Study Group:

The Future of Migration Flows and Trends in the Mediterranean

Identifying possible scenarios of future migration flows and trends has always been a coveted exercise by policy makers, with early warning, foresight and forecasting being the three main approaches (https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/future-migration-trends). There is no shortage of research on the future of migration to Europe (see for instance here), and a recent IOM study has made an effort to compile the existing research. However, there is less work available on the future of migration in the Mediterranean context, that would also include how flows to Southern Mediterranean countries in the future are likely to evolve. Such studies exist, but tend to be either outdated or focus on the effects of climate change, rather than propose a more comprehensive approach.

The Joint Study Group could address this gap and look into the future of migration flows and trends in the Mediterranean in an integrated and comprehensive manner, with the objective to contribute to policy preparedness rather than attempting to “uncover the truth about what the future will hold”.

You may apply to more than one Joint Study Group but may eventually only be selected to join one of them.

See the EuroMeSCo Joint Study Groups 2022 Terms of Reference for more information.