What's Happening?
The RFBerlin Migration Forum is scheduled for March 18-19, 2027, focusing on the economic and social integration of migrants and their impact on labor markets, firms, productivity, and economic competitiveness in destination countries. Organized by CReAM@RFBerlin,
the Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration, this third annual forum invites scholars in economics and social sciences to submit research on a broad range of migration-related topics. Keynote speakers include Jens Hainmueller, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and co-director of the Stanford Immigration Policy Lab, and Giovanni Peri, C. Bryan Cameron Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of California, Davis, and founder of the UC Davis Global Migration Center. The forum aims to explore the drivers of migration, migrants' experiences and outcomes, and public attitudes toward immigration. Submissions are due by November 8, 2026, with notifications to authors by December 3, 2026. There are no submission or registration fees, and meals and conference dinners will be provided.
Why It's Important?
This forum is important for the U.S. as it brings together leading academics whose research directly influences immigration policy discussions and economic understanding of migration. Giovanni Peri's work, for instance, focuses on the economic determinants and consequences of international migration and immigration policy, particularly concerning labor markets and productivity in receiving countries. Jens Hainmueller's Stanford Immigration Policy Lab actively collaborates with governments and NGOs to design and evaluate immigration and integration policies. The insights generated from this forum could inform U.S. policymakers on effective strategies for migrant integration, labor market impacts, and economic competitiveness. Understanding the economic contributions and challenges associated with migration is crucial for developing sound U.S. immigration policies that benefit both migrants and the host economy. The research presented will help shape public discourse and policy approaches to immigration, potentially influencing future legislative and administrative actions in the U.S.
What's Next?
Following the call for papers, researchers will submit their work by November 8, 2026, with selected authors notified by December 3, 2026. The forum itself will take place on March 18-19, 2027, where the latest research on migration, integration, and economic competitiveness will be presented and discussed. The findings and discussions from this forum are expected to be published in academic journals and presented at other conferences, further disseminating knowledge that could influence U.S. policy debates and research agendas. The work of the keynote speakers, particularly their engagement with policy design and evaluation, suggests that the forum's outcomes could directly inform governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in immigration and integration efforts in the U.S. and globally. The ongoing research from institutions like the Stanford Immigration Policy Lab and the UC Davis Global Migration Center will continue to provide data-driven insights into migration dynamics.
Beyond the Headlines
The RFBerlin Migration Forum's focus on the economic and social integration of migrants delves into the complex interplay between immigration and national development. Beyond immediate policy implications, the forum addresses the ethical and societal dimensions of how migrants are received and integrated, and the long-term cultural shifts that result from diverse populations. The emphasis on public attitudes toward immigration highlights the challenge of misinformation and the need for evidence-based discourse. The research presented could also shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of migrants to innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural enrichment, challenging existing narratives that sometimes frame migration solely as a burden. Understanding these deeper implications is crucial for fostering inclusive societies and maximizing the benefits of migration, while also addressing potential social tensions and ensuring equitable outcomes for all residents.
