4 September (PHD Day) Main Library, Edgbaston Campus, University of Birmingham
5-6 September, The Exchange, Birmingham
Keynote speakers:
- Professor Nandita Sharma, (University of Hawai’i at Manoa)
- Professor Nasar Meer (University of Glasgow)
Invited speakers:
- Dr Melanie Griffiths, University of Birmingham
- Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge, University of Birmingham
- Professor Nira Yuval-Davis (University of East London)
- Dr Blanca Garcés-Mascareñas, CIDOB
- Dr Myriam Cherti, University of Oxford
- Dr Ilse Van Liempt, Utrecht University
- Professor Jenny Phillimore, University of Birmingham
- Professor Jane Freedman, University of Paris 8
- Dr Evgenia Iliadou, independent researcher
- Alphonsine Kabagabo, Women for Refugee Women
- Dr Nick Beech, University of Birmingham
- Dr Sanjay Sharma, Warwick University,
- Rob McNeil, Migration Observatory, University of Oxford
- Mukti Jain Campion, documentary maker and podcaster
- Professor Michela Benson, Lancaster University
- Professor Nando Sigona, University of Birmingham
About the conference
Geopolitical shifts and power imbalances in a multipolar world are reigniting old conflicts and sparking new ones, destabilizing many regions. These effects are especially felt in the Global South, where most displaced people reside, despite Western fears about migration. Today’s unique challenge is the interplay between geopolitics and daily life. We witness the real-time violence of forced displacement from conflict or climate change, and the resilience of those affected. New alliances form across time and space, uniting disparate struggles under shared colonial and racial traumas. Movements like BLM, the Arab Spring, and decolonization, along with gender and queer politics, have fostered global solidarity among the marginalized.
In this volatile context, migration and borders are even more relevant. Increasing displacement from war, state violence, environmental disasters, and poverty highlights the complexities of migration. Western border regimes have become more restrictive and technologically advanced, often leading to more migrant deaths and injuries. Racialized migrants, particularly those from poor backgrounds, are vilified and targeted by authorities to appease public opinion, especially during major election cycles.
This changing global order raises critical questions for migration research. How do these shifts shape migration studies? What new concepts and theories are needed? How do local, national, and transnational processes interact? How do migrants and local communities respond to these changes? How do political and legal infrastructures impact migrants and racialized communities across generations?
This international conference aims to address these questions and explore key dimensions of contemporary migration in this complex geopolitical landscape.
Where to stay
We have curated a list of hotels, B&B and Guest Houses in Birmingham city centre and closer to campus for delegates. Prices are indicative.
How to reach us
The PHD sessions and the conference welcome drinks (4 September) will be held on our main campus in Edgbaston. Please find here directions and map of the campus. The sessions will be hosted in the Main Library and Muirhead Tower.
On 5 and 6 September, the conference will be held at The Exchange building in Birmingham city centre. Please find here how to find The Exchange.
For those who have booked a place (registration is closed), the conference dinner will be held at Austin Court (80 Cambridge Street, B1 2NP).
Conference Programme
- Outline Programme is available now.
- Full Programme
- Book of Abstracts
- Code of Practice and Instructions for Delegates
Registration for delegates is now closed due to capacity limits.
For further information, please contact Ann Bolstridge, IRiS Senior Administrator: a.bolstridge@bham.ac.uk
The Age of Superdiversity 