University of Neuchâtel

The Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies (SFM), University of Neuchâtel (UniNE) is a research and training institute of the University of Neuchâtel. It conducts scientific research in the fields of migration and demographic issues with the aim of contributing towards a pragmatic discussion on topics associated with migration. The SFM plays a key role in the coordination and networking of research in Switzerland. This makes the institute a preferred partner for numerous research institutes from abroad. The SFM holds a unique and special place in Swiss research into migration.

The SFM comprises a multilingual and interdisciplinary team. Since it was founded in 1995, the SFM has conducted political research, appraisals and consultancy work, which are commissioned or carried out both in Switzerland and internationally.

The SFM leads different major collaborative projects on migration, including the ESF-financed project on Migrant’s Transnational Practices in Western Europe in collaboration with Maria Baganha (Faculty of Economy, Universidade de Coimbra), Michael Eve, (FIERI, Torino), Thomas Faist (University of Bielefeld), Thomas Lacroix, (Miginter, Université de Poitiers), and Marco Martiniello (Centre d'études de l'Ethnicité et des migrations, Université de Liège).

Role within the project

The SFM plays important roles in the project: it is responsible for the management of the project, is heading the work package on the political opportunity structure, and is responsible for the collection and delivery of the Swiss study to the various work packages.

Involved members

Prof. Gianni D’Amato is an expert on integration policies and anti-immigrant populist mobilization. He has authored numerous books and articles and has coordinated research projects on Transnational Communities, Human Smuggling and Radical Right-Wing Populist Mobilization. He leads the IMISCOE strategic research cluster on immigrant mobilization and social cohesion (SOCO).

Didier Ruedin is a postdoctoal researcher. His doctoral research at the Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford focused on the political representation of women and ethnic minorities, and the institutional and cultural factors that shape different levels of representation across the world.