IRIS co-hosts new UNHCR Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chair

The Institute for Research into International Migration and Superdiversity (IRIS) is delighted to co-host a new Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chair at the University of Birmingham, established in collaboration with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

The Chair will be held by Dr Angelo Martins Junior, Associate Professor in Sociology and Criminology and Co-Director of the University of Birmingham Brazil Institute. Dr Martins Junior’s research and engagement span Brazil, Europe and West Africa, addressing refugee protection, labour-market inclusion, climate displacement and the experiences of forcibly displaced communities.

Named after the Brazilian diplomat and UN humanitarian Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the initiative brings the University into an international network of 46 universities committed to advancing teaching, research and public engagement on forced displacement, human rights and statelessness. Birmingham is only the second UK university to hold the title.

The Chair will be co-hosted by IRIS, the University of Birmingham Brazil Institute and the School of Social Policy and Society. Professor Nando Sigona, Director of IRiS, will serve as Deputy Chair.

Professor Sigona said:

“We are delighted that IRIS will co-host the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chair and that Angelo will lead this important initiative. Since its establishment in 2012, IRIS has brought together researchers whose combined expertise represents decades of research on refugees and forced displacement. Our work has been developed in close collaboration with displaced communities, civil society organisations, governments and international agencies”.

“The Chair offers an important opportunity to build on this collective expertise, strengthen our international partnerships — particularly with colleagues across the Global South — and ensure that research and teaching contribute directly to refugee protection and more informed public debate.”

The Chair will support closer collaboration across the international Sérgio Vieira de Mello network and create new opportunities for research, teaching and engagement with refugees, practitioners and policymakers.