NordForsk received 218 applications in response to the call for proposals under the Joint Nordic-UK Research Initiative on Migration and Integration with a deadline of 15 November 2018. The UK is represented in a large share of the projects, demonstrating that researchers in the Nordic countries and the UK see great value in working together, says NordForsk Director Arne Flåøyen.
In connection with the Session of the Nordic Council 2018, NordForsk organised the lunch seminar “Opportunities and challenges for Nordic health data research for Nordic members of parliament. The purpose of the seminar was to demonstrate the untapped potential for Nordic use of cooperation on health data, and to highlight existing barriers and bottlenecks that pose obstacles to Nordic research based on registry data. The 2018 session was held at the Storting in Oslo.
The study of migration is instrumental in providing a better knowledge base for decision-makers – and promoting a more informed population at large. A new NordForsk policy paper maps the current Nordic integration and migration landscape, and suggests measures that can improve the policy relevance of research activities.
Professor Allan Krasnik fears enormous economic and social problems for the Nordic society if the integration of refugees and migrants is not successful. “The Nordic welfare model is based on equality and solidarity, and there is an impending risk of rising inequality and conflict in society if refugees receive inferior services,” claims Professor Krasnik.
Would it be of relevance for the Nordic countries to launch research cooperation relating to migration? Yes, thinks Tuomas Martikainen of the Migration Institute of Finland. He has led the work with NordForsk's most recent policy paper, an overview of existing knowledge in the area of migration and integration.
In June 2016, NordForsk issued a call for Nordic register-based research projects. A total of 48 eligible proposals were received and were peer reviewed by international experts. The NordForsk Board has now decided to award NOK 67 million to fund seven of the projects. This was the fourth call for proposals under NordForsk’s Nordic Initiative on Health and Welfare.
However, many common migration-related prejudices and inefficiencies in the integration of the migrant population are due to the lack of sound, tested and accessible scientific research.
The thematic area for this joint call for proposals is inclusion in pre-primary and primary education with a focus on teaching and learning for children and students in need of special support. Projects are required to incorporate cooperation between researchers and research-oriented practitioners.
