Bonn Platform for Forced Migration Studies
The Bonn Platform for Forced Migration Studies is a collaboration established in 2023 by female researchers and academic managers. It brings together the bicc (Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies), FFVT (Forced Migration and Refugee Studies: Networking and Transfer), the University of Bonn, and the Bonn Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Learning (BIM e.V.), including its House of Diversity Migrapolis.
Through the platform, we foster a trusting exchange among experts from NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, and universities in the field of forced migration. We facilitate roundtable discussions for dialogue and collegial consultation in a young, transdisciplinary, and sensitive research area. Additionally, we contribute to institutional matters such as research ethics and the requirements of transdisciplinary work.
50
active community members
5
Coordinators from academia and practice
3
leading institutions
The goals of the platform’s activities are regularly discussed within the team of coordinators and in consultation with the community and are set for a two-year period. In the first phase (2023–2024), the aim was to bring together and connect the community in forced migration research while fostering a trusting exchange. In the next phase (2025–2026), we aim to continue this dialogue, engage in deeper self-reflection on transdisciplinary work, and develop a collaborative research proposal that builds on our learnings.
Roundtables
Regular roundtables bring together academics, practitioners and migrant self-organizations on (forced) migration.
IMPULSE Café
Monthly meetings promote interdisciplinary dialog on forced migration in open, but focused discussions between researchers.
Projects & Milestones
Insight into our projects and milestones - developments, successes and key progress at a glance.
The primary goal of the platform is to bring together local and regional experts working in the field of forced migration—including those in NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, and universities — through active formats that foster exchange and the joint development of expertise. The focus is on qualitative dialogue: How do we navigate conflict-ridden topics, methodological limitations, ethical requirements, and capacity challenges? The platform provides a space for reflection and discussion about one’s work — something often missing in everyday professional life, where such diversity of expertise is rarely represented.
Regular roundtable discussions have been established, bringing together researchers at all career levels (from MA students in their final phase to professors), research support staff (e.g., ethics advisors, academic coordinators), colleagues from non-university research institutions, think tanks, NGOs, local governments, and migrant self-organizations.
Past events
To deepen the interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers part of the Bonn Platform for Forced Migration Studies, we invite you to a monthly open yet focused exchange. In a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of coffee, we will discuss key topics and questions in forced migration research.
Each session is led by two main discussants and a moderator, with all participants actively engaged in the conversation. The discussions focus on:
- key research topics and concerns,
- theoretical and conceptual debates,
- methodological or ethical challenges in research.
This monthly gathering provides an opportunity to share knowledge, broaden perspectives, and critically reflect on current research questions.
We look forward to inspiring discussions and fresh insights!
When and where?
Our monthly dialogues take place on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
📍 Venue:
House of Imagination and Intellectual Creativity
University of Bonn
Adenauerallee 131
53113 Bonn
The first session will be held on March 18, 2025.
We look forward to engaging with you!
Current projects
“Reflexivity in (Forced) Migration Studies. Gemeinsam (Flucht)Migrationsforschung reflektieren” (2024–2025)
With funding from the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) ‚Individuals, Institutions, Societies‘ at the University of Bonn.
In this project, we reflect together on research perspectives and methods in (forced) migration research.
Engagement & Events
5. Conference of the German Network for Forced Migration Studies
Lead management of the conference: Forced Migration and Refugee Studies: Networking and Knowledge Transfer (FFVT) / bicc (Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies)
Topic: Regional and Local Responses to Global Refugee Movements: Contexts, Challenges, Solutions (September, 16-18, 2024, Bonn)
The Bonn Platform for Forced Migration Studies was part of the local organizing committee and organized a panel on the topic:
“Co-production of knowledge on forced displacement and acceptance in the local area: Discussion along the example of a Bonn initiative”
Dr des Maria Ullrich
Room 1.102
Heussallee 18-24
53113 Bonn
Dr Lena Laube
Room 2.207
Heussallee 18-24
53113 Bonn
Dr Sandra Gilgan
Room 2.006
Dechenstr. 3-11
D-53115 Bonn
Maarit Thiem
bicc
Pfarrer-Byns-Straße 1
53121 Bonn
