This month, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our EMMIR Edition 10 cohort, marking the culmination of two years of rigorous academic work and international collaboration. These graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of migration and intercultural relations, and we couldn't be more proud of their achievements.
The event featured several notable speeches, starting with a heartfelt welcome and opening speech by Lydia Potts, EMMIR Primary Coordinator. Her speech included reflections accompanied by images from an art installation by a local artist, reinforcing her message to the graduates. Additionally, the Dean of Faculty III, Prof. Dr. Esther Ruigendijk, spoke about the incredible diversity within the EMMIR programme and commended the resilience of the students in overcoming challenges throughout their studies.
As part of the ceremony, the nominees for the Most Innovative Thesis Award presented their research:
Vitor Amador: "Cross-Border Mobility of Congolese Refugees in Uganda and Afghan Refugees in Pakistan"
Lilian Ebere Anazube: "Nostalgia, Homemaking and Waiting among Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in the Czech Republic"
Charles Murata: "Transnational Social Protection and Displacement: Experiences of Ukrainian Refugee Families of Children Living with Disabilities in the Czech Republic"
Farseen Ali Puthanveettil: "Indian Diaspora in Norway: Transnational Activities and Capabilities"
Duygu Sönal: "Hear Me Beyond Violence: Art as a Voice in Addressing Gender-Based Violence Among Syrian Refugee Women in İzmir, Türkiye"
Esmé Starke:"Global Compact on Refugees: A Contrasting Study Measuring the Impact on the Lives of Refugees in Uganda and the Netherlands"
Vania Vergara Martinez: "Breaking the Paradigm of Mexico as a Transit Country: Labour Market Integration of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Mexico City"
Zhao Wen: "Understanding Irregular Chinese Migration After the COVID-19 Pandemic"
A special congratulations goes to Charles Murata, who was awarded the prestigious Most Innovative Thesis Award for his outstanding research. His thesis, titled "Transnational Social Protection and Displacement: Experiences of Ukrainian Refugee Families of Children Living with Disabilities in the Czech Republic," was recognized for its innovative approach and significant contribution to migration studies. The award jury, led by Prof. Mary Setrana from the Migration Studies Centre, University of Ghana, praised Charles’ work for its depth, relevance, and impact on the field.
Murata’s research used the Transnational Social Protection (TSP) Framework and intersectionality theory to explore the multifaceted experiences of Ukrainian refugee families caring for children with disabilities in the Czech Republic. By conducting in-depth interviews with caregivers and service providers, his research illuminated the resilience of these families as they navigated fragmented social protection systems. His work challenges methodological nationalism in migration studies by emphasizing the transnational dimensions of refugees’ lived experiences and highlights significant gaps in the Czech Republic’s social protection framework.
The graduation also featured the Blank Pages performance, which included live narration and poetry by graduate Rim Trad, accompanied by a video created by members of the Blank Pages project from around the world.
Student representative Chiamaka delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of graduation. She celebrated their shared journey while acknowledging the difficulty of saying goodbye. The event concluded with a thoughtful farewell speech by Michal Musialowski, EMMIR’s Academic Coordinator.
This year’s ceremony was particularly notable for having the largest cohort of African graduates, with eight students representing Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.
We wish all our graduates the best as they embark on their next adventures—whether in further research, professional practice, or new academic pursuits. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for migration studies have left a lasting impression, and we look forward to seeing the incredible work you will continue to do in the years ahead.
Congratulations once again to all of our graduates!
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