Center for Migration and Integration Research officially launched at SSE
A new research center within GaPP
CMIR is part of the House of Governance and Public Policy (GaPP) at SSE and serves as a new interdisciplinary research environment dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration on migration and integration in Sweden and beyond.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, who emphasized the importance of research-based knowledge in addressing complex societal challenges. Lin Lerpold, Director of CMIR, then introduced the center’s mission and research agenda, highlighting the need to bridge academic research with policy, business, and societal practice.
SSE President Lars Strannegård.
Center Director Lin Lerpold.
Research focus and academic perspectives
CMIR’s research profile was presented by Scientific Director Laurence Romani together with the center’s postdoctoral researchers Olle Hammar, Sarah Philipson Isaac, Anton Ahlén, and Andrea Monti. Their work spans issues such as labor markets, regulation, organizations, and social networks, with a shared focus on understanding the conditions for sustainable integration.
The program continued with a keynote address by Lawen Redar, Social Democratic Party spokesperson on integration policy, who reflected on current integration challenges and the role of research in informing long-term policy development.
Lawen Redar, Social Democratic Party spokesperson on integration policy.
Laurence Romani during her presentation.
Andrea Monti presented her ongoing research project.
Cross-sector dialogue on migration and integration
A central part of the afternoon was the multi-stakeholder panel discussion, moderated by Lin Lerpold. Panelists Ahmed Abdirahman (Järvaveckan), Anders Neergaard (Linköping University/REMESO), Lawen Redar (Social Democratic Party), Lisa Pelling (Arena Idé), and Oshni Arachchi (Danske Bank) discussed the need for cross-sector collaboration and the value of combining perspectives from research, politics, business, and civil society.
The panel, consisting of (from left to right): Lawen Redar, Oshni Arachchi, Lisa Pelling, Ahmed Abdirahman and Anders Neergaard.
Art, music, and informal exchange
Artistic and cultural contributions by Swedish rapper Erik Lundin and artist Santiago Mostyn were woven into the program, offering additional perspectives on migration, identity, and belonging. The evening concluded with an art talk by Santiago Mostyn, live music, and informal discussions during a mingle in the SSE Atrium, providing further opportunities for exchange and networking.
Erik Lundin during his performance.
Strengthening research, policy, and practice
Through CMIR, the Stockholm School of Economics aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research and create a platform for dialogue that contributes to more inclusive and sustainable integration. Together with the House of Governance and Public Policy, CMIR will continue to bring research, policy, and practice into conversation to address one of the defining challenges of our time.
CMIR is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and co-funded by the European Union.
The Virtual Arena
The Virtual Arena is a new digital platform designed to strengthen collaboration on migration and integration in Sweden.
The platform brings together research, dialogue, and perspectives from across society, offering opportunities to explore research findings, participate in discussions, and engage with stakeholders from academia, policy, business, and civil society.
Photos from the event by Johanna Ståhlberg:
