The MARS: Non-Western Migration Regimes in a Global Perspective research project marked a key milestone on May 5, 2025, by hosting its mid-term meeting at Lund University. Held in a hybrid format—both in-person at the Sociology Department and online via Zoom—the event brought together researchers, seconded staff, and representatives from the European Research Executive Agency (REA) for a day of reflection, reporting, and planning.
Led by Principal Investigators Dr. Rustam Urinboyev and Dr. Sherzod Eraliev, the meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Anna Lundberg, Head of the Sociology of Law Department. The morning session featured a detailed progress report on the MARS project, which investigates the migration trends and patterns from developing countries to developing countries.
The agenda included insights from seconded researchers, highlighting personal experiences and contributions from early-stage and experienced scholars embedded at partner institutions across Europe. A dedicated session with REA Project Officer Aleksandra Schoetz Sobczak provided critical feedback on project management and reporting practices.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in open discussions on administrative and strategic aspects of the project’s second phase, including follow-up actions and collaborative opportunities.
As the MARS project continues its mission to produce high-impact, policy-relevant research on migration and asylum governance, this mid-term gathering reaffirmed the strength of its network and the importance of interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration.
