Integration Policy and Social Change

Valuing Theoretical and Empirical Knowledge

Integration Department

Project head: Dr. David Schiefer

Project team members: Dr. Niklas Harder ,  Prof. Dr. Magdalena Nowicka ,  Dr. Nora Ratzmann

The immigration of individuals with migration and refugee experiences presents Germany with significant opportunities as well as challenges. Among the challenges are the continual adaptation of political measures to meet the needs of new groups and their specific requirements, such as housing, childcare, schooling, and healthcare. Political actors vary in the extent to which they draw on insights from migration and integration research when designing integration policies. With a focus on the knowledge base of the Department of Integration, this project adopts a reflexive approach and engages in exchanges with experts at the intersection of science and policy to explore the conditions under which scientific knowledge in the field of migration and integration can be made accessible and useful for policy and civil society. The project places knowledge valorization at the center of its interest.

As a foundation for this endeavor, the project monitors and analyzes municipal, regional, and national integration policies in Germany, identifies knowledge gaps, and links these to the research conducted within the department. The project is thus conceived as a dialogue between science, policy, and civil society, wherein knowledge and experience from political, administrative, and civil society actors are incorporated into ongoing research initiatives. Thematic priorities of the work are regularly reviewed and adjusted to align with emerging needs.

Funding: Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Institutional funding)