The project

The project “Past and Present Migration Challenges: what European and American History can teach us” (PPM) has two main aims:

•  Conduct research on the history of EU-America migration movements in the light of the present immigration challenge through trans-national collaboration:

Thanks to the confrontation of past and present migration experiences and through a multi-disciplinary approach that includes economic, political and sociological contributions from both Continents, the aim of this project is to shed light on the complex nature of the migratory movement and use the past as a way to better understand present challenges within the EU. The aim is also to create a network of international scholars and students.  The research team will be composed by academics from Europe (Italy, Germany) and America (Argentina, Brazil and the US) and will be coordinated by Professor Francesca Fauri, Jean Monnet Chair and professor of the University of Bologna.

• Dissemination of knowledge within university and with non-academics:

The project aims at fostering the discussion on the role of migration studies, migrants’ history and integration and the EU migration policy at the university and  civil society level. The goal is also to make the general public aware of what the EU is and what it does in relation to immigration needs and challenges, highlighting its value and founding principles like tolerance, help for the weak and non-discrimination.These objectives will be reached thanks to several  activities: two international workshops and conferences, an Exhibition in Buenos Aires and several university seminars and meetings with schools in Italy and Argentina analysing EU migration policy and immigration movements.

To reach those goals, the main steps and activities will be:

a)  Two workshops, one in Argentina at the Hotel de Inmigrantes (Immigrants’ Hotel)  in Buenos Aires which houses the National Museum of Immigration  and one in Italy at the University of Bologna, Forlì Campus. The research team will discuss  and exchange information on their research. The results of these cross-sectorial discussions will be presented in the final conference and in the final publication;

b)   Two international conferences one in Argentina and one in Italy. The conferences will present the results of the research to the general public. The conferences will be organised in a collaborative and interactive way, trying to include the audience in analysing the different dimensions of the migration flows in Europe and America with particular attention to the economic, social and political impact. The debates will be incorporated in the final publication;

c)  An exhibition (pictures and documents) in Buenos Aires at the Museum “Hotel des Immigrantes” on the Italian enterprises and entrepreneurs in Argentina.

d)    In view of the project aims and expected impact 10 seminars to be held by professor Fauri at the University of Bologna will cover the history of migration from and to Europe, the integration challenges yesterday and today and the evolution of the EU immigration  policy.  

e)  In order to enhance the interest and knowledge over the issue, some specific meetings will be held in high schools in the Emilia Romagna region and also with younger students. The involvement of  the Dante Aligheri High School in Buenos Aires is also foreseen.

f)   The dissemination of the results will be further enhanced by the use of a specific section on the EDC Punto Europa Forlì website and by the use of Social Media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and youtube). Moreover, to favour the dissemination of results among students, the WebTV of the Campus of Forlì will be involved, with some short videos/interviews explaining the main aspects of the research and of the results. Finally, to reach the general public, a monthly newsletter will be set up. The newsletter will consist in short updates on the research activities and on thematic insights.

The professors involved in this project have extensive knowledge and experience in migration studies. The analysis will have a cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach, in order to maximise the potential of the research and its dissemination. Another key aspect of this project will be the proactive collaboration among academics, university, hight school and even elementary students and the general public thorugh the activities envisaged. Finally, it must be underlined that the academic partnerships and network established with this project will be essential to further engage in multidisciplinary and cross-national research over other EU relevant areas of interest