Dr Rafał Raczyński from the Department of International Relations of the Institute of Political Science of UG has been appointed as a Committee on Migration Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences member. Another member of the Committee is dr hab. Anna Mazurkiewicz, prof. UG, from the Faculty of History, who participates in the works of the prestigious body for the second term. The Committee brings together a distinguished group of experts on migration and diasporas representing various scientific centres.

According to the resolution adopted by the Presidium of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Committee on Migration Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences is to fulfil four basic tasks, i.e. to deal with: 

• the analysis of Poland’s new role in the European migration system and the related challenges for theory, methodology and practice at local, regional, national and international levels;
• analysing the presence of migrants in Poland (in particular citizens of Ukraine);
• undertaking a discussion on migration policy for Poland: its boundary conditions, objectives and tools;
• analysing the transformation of the Polish diaspora: the dynamics of identity, organisational structures and contacts with the country.

‘In the justification of the resolution establishing the Committee, one can read that its functioning is important for at least two reasons. The first one stems from the fact that research on migration is, by its very nature, interdisciplinary - hence the need for contact between representatives of different disciplines dealing with this topic. The existence of the Committee undoubtedly facilitates this. The second reason, on the other hand, is related to “the importance of the problem concerning the scale, dynamics and diversity of migration processes currently taking place in Poland and their consequences for the Polish state and society”. Indeed, today, our country is facing unprecedented challenges related to migration processes,’ says dr Rafał Raczyński from the Department of International Relations of the UG.

The scientist admits that he treats his election to the Committee’s membership first and foremost as a distinction and a confirmation of the validity of his research and activities so far. Still, he adds: ‘For me, being a member of the Committee also has a very practical dimension. It is an excellent opportunity to cooperate and exchange views with leading Polish researchers dealing with migration.’ 

Among the Committee members are two employees of the University of Gdańsk. Currently, there is also dr hab. Anna Mazurkiewicz, prof. UG, who, as the only representative of our University, is a member of the Committee for the second term.

The Committee’s inaugural meeting concerning the framework for its activities will take place in the near future.