October 01, 2024 | News

Shaping the Future of Migration Research

MPIDR Hosts Symposium to Enhance Migration Data Quality and Innovation

The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) recently hosted a symposium to address the need for high-quality migration data and innovative methodologies, and to strengthen cooperation among migration researchers. The event successfully facilitated discussions on challenges in migration databases, and demonstrated new analytical models. There are plans for future collaborations and events.

A symposium on "International Migration in Central and Eastern Europe: Changing Patterns, Determinants and Measurement Challenges" was held at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock. © MPIDR/Schulz

On 17 September, the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock hosted a symposium on "International Migration in Central and Eastern Europe: Changing Patterns, Determinants and Measurement Challenges", organised by Maciej J. Dańko, Domantas Jasilionis and Emilio Zagheni.

"Our main objective was to address migration data needs and improve data quality, explore innovative data sources and methodologies in migration studies. We also wanted to share research findings on Ukrainian refugee migration and foster cooperation between institutions and researchers working on migration," says Domantas Jasilionis. In addition, the event aimed to facilitate discussions on the challenges and opportunities of migration databases. "And we achieved that."

During the symposium, they, along with their guest and participants, presented key findings on the use of traditional and novel data sources for migration estimates. Innovative methods for tracking refugee movements using digital and traditional data were highlighted, with a focus on Ukrainian migration.

In addition, the symposium demonstrated the potential of new Bayesian models for the analysis of migration data and stimulated exciting discussions on the progress and future directions of the Human Migration Database (HMigD) project, including its role in the standardisation and harmonisation of migration data.

"The day was very successful," said Emilio Zagheni, Director of MPIDR, "we strengthened and expanded partnerships to work together to advance research on migration and data innovation."

The success of the event has led to plans for further meetings and events in the future. "The symposium brought together leading minds in migration research, helping to better understand data sources and their quality, while exploring new ways of analysing migration trends in Eastern and Central Europe," says Maciej J. Dańko.