A substantial body of scientific evidence and information on migration already exists, supported by significant investment from the EU and other organisations to strengthen the evidence base. Despite this, important gaps persist between research and policymaking. Too often, research findings are overlooked, misinterpreted, or not fully integrated into policy processes—frequently due to challenges in communication, political constraints, or a disconnect between academic work and practical policy needs.

This two-day executive training will develop and strengthen participants’ skills in effective research to policy engagement around migration. Participants will learn how to identify factors that help build strong connections and collaboration with research users and effectively disseminate and communicate research findings and outcomes.

By focusing on the unique challenges of engaging with non-academic stakeholders, this training will empower participants to maximise the impact of their work.

The training is not only designed for scholars, but also journalists, communication professionals, experts working for think tanks and consultants working on migration.

The course will combine the practical experiences and perspectives of academic researchers with the experience of policymakers and advisors working for governments and civil society organisations. Participants will work together to identify and understand some of the key challenges and good engagement practices between research, policies, and practices.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this training participants will be able to:

• Effectively engage with the users of research about research evidence;
• Construct engagement strategies that facilitate enhanced use of research evidence;
• Understand and incorporate insights from both researchers and policymakers to understand underlying factors that can influence effective engagement;
• Comprehend the role of research evidence in migration debates, limits to the use of evidence and factors that can mitigate or overcome these limits.

Learning methods:

• Knowledge transfer sessions led by academics, policymakers and other research producers/users (such as NGOs and CSOs) with significant experience in the field;
• Active exchange in interactive training sessions and group work activities that are focused on the interpretation of examples of engagement between evidence, policy and practices and that address the main challenges posed by the current migration debate;
• Case studies analysis based on real-life engagement.

Who should attend:

• Researchers working in a variety of settings such as academic institutions, think tanks, regional/international organisations;
• Consultants working on migration;
• Journalists and communication professionals who want to learn more about engagement with research evidence.

A Master’s degree in a relevant subject (social science disciplines, migration studies or similar) and/or relevant professional experience is required. Places are limited, and if a selection process is required, these criteria related to professional background and experience will be applied.

Information for applicants:

• The training course will take place in person on the premises of the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, on 24 and 25 November 2025.
• Participants will be expected to be present on our campus in Florence, Italy, on the days of the training; The programme will include approximately 12–14 hours of in-session training.
• There is a fee of 200 euros to attend the training, which covers organisational costs, as well as lunches and coffee breaks provided at the EUI.
• Deadline to apply is 6 July 2025.

Check out the programme.