IMISCOE Forum 2026
Promoting Afro-European Mediterranean Dialogue:
Shifting Geographies of Migration
FLASH – Ibnou Zohr University & GRITIM-UPF
with the support of EuroMedMig
Understanding Shifting Geographies of Migration
The movement of people between Africa and Europe transits the Mediterranean region, which functions both as a primary space for connection and final mobility stage. While such mobilities are not recent they carry deep historical roots their scale, intensity, impact and complexity have triggered increased attention from policy makers, practitioners, civil society organizations, and migration scholars alike.
The existing scholarship still struggles to comprehensively capture the evolving nature of these human movements. Some of these difficulties stem from limitations of state-centric conceptual paradigms that overlook the regional dimensions which are critical for understanding migration realities on the ground.
This IMISCOE Forum seeks to discuss how to decentralize research, practices, and decision-making to help reduce inequalities, power imbalances, and cultural or ideological biases, thereby fostering an equitable and inclusive Afro-European dialogue on migration.
"It is imperative to acknowledge the necessity of critical, collaborative, and interdisciplinary knowledge production through dialogues that transcend conventional frameworks."
Transnational impact on human mobilities beyond traditional host and sending countries
South-South mobilities represent a significant portion of global mobility, yet remain marginalized
Novel categories in migration research transcending conventional frameworks
What This Forum Aims to Achieve
Platform for Research Exchange
To provide a platform for exchange regarding ongoing research projects, particularly those that highlight gaps and propose ways forward in current scholarship.
Regional Networking Space
To create a networking space for people working on shared regional research interests Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa including actors from academia, civil society, NGOs, government institutions, journalists, and international organizations.
Research Cooperation
To foster cooperation among researchers working on this region, building bridges between disciplines, institutions and geographies.
Future Collaborations
To encourage the development of engaged networks for future collaborations and research partnerships across the Afro-European-Mediterranean space.
Five Thematic Axes Structuring the Forum
Recent Policy Developments
The EU's New Pact on Migration and Asylum (2024) and New Pact for the Mediterranean (2025), and their impact on Afro-European mobilities.
Researching Human Corridors & Mapping New Routes
Intra-African and Afro-European migration patterns charting new mobility landscapes and the lived experiences within them.
Climate Change & Migration
Empirical research on environmental mobility within Africa and towards the EU, examining how climate disruptions reshape migration trajectories.
Mobility, Border Regimes & Human Rights
EU border externalization, African mobility securitization, and the rise of racism in Africa rights at the intersection of policy and practice.
Socioeconomic & Urban Transformations
Urban crossroads and the transformational impact of mobility on cities in Europe and Africa from infrastructure to social fabric.
Submission Guidelines
Who Can Submit
- Researchers and academics at any career stage
- Civil society representatives and NGO practitioners
- Government and institutional representatives
- Journalists covering migration and human mobility
- Representatives from international organizations
- Practitioners working with migrant communities
Contribution Formats
- Individual paper presentations (15–20 min)
- Panel proposals (thematic groupings of 3–4 papers)
- Roundtable discussions with practitioners
- Poster presentations for early-stage research
- Policy briefs and practitioner reports
- Workshop proposals for collaborative sessions
Ready to contribute to the dialogue?
Submit your abstract for the 2026 IMISCOE Forum in Agadir, MoroccoAn Open & Inclusive Platform
Keynote Lectures
Distinguished speakers on Afro-European migration research and policy from across the globe.
Research Panels
Thematic sessions bringing together scholars working on aligned questions across disciplines.
Stakeholder Roundtables
Dialogues between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers for co-production of knowledge.
Hybrid Participation
Full online access enabling participation from across Africa, Europe and beyond.
Networking Sessions
Dedicated time for building connections and forging new collaborative research partnerships.
Future Research Agenda
A collective exercise to identify gaps and map priorities for Afro-European migration scholarship.
