OU secures Fellowship to advance refugee protection research

The Open University (OU) has been awarded funding for a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to support cutting-edge research on refugee protection and integration. The project, officially titled Advancing Refugee Protection and Integration: Resettlement, Community Sponsorship and Complementary Pathways, will deliver new insights into how community-based approaches can strengthen refugee welcome and long-term inclusion.

The fellowship will build on Dr Gabriella D’Avino’s doctoral research into refugee social networks and integration under the UK’s Community Sponsorship and Vulnerable Persons Resettlement schemes. The project also draws on her experience as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and her consultancy work with governments, NGOs, and international networks.

The initiative emerged from discussions between Dr D’Avino (pictured above right) and Dr Chiara Berneri (pictured above left), an OU expert in community sponsorship of refugees and author of Private Sponsorship of Refugees in Europe (Bloomsbury, 2024). Together, they are combining sociological and legal perspectives to create research that is both academically rigorous and practically useful for policymakers, practitioners, and community groups.

“This fellowship is an exciting opportunity to deepen our understanding of how resettlement and community sponsorship can be made more effective. Having Gabriella here at the OU not only strengthens our academic expertise but also expands our impact across the UK and internationally.” said Dr Berneri. Dr D’Avino added, “At a time when global displacement is at record levels, it is vital that we produce research which supports better policies, empowers community groups, and improves the lived experiences of refugees.”

The project will generate a series of influential outputs, including a scholarly monograph, peer-reviewed articles, and policy briefs offering evidence-based recommendations to enhance refugee resettlement and community sponsorship schemes. Beyond academic publications, the research will actively engage with stakeholders by hosting a major international conference and presenting findings at global forums such as IMISCOE.

A core aim of the fellowship is to bridge the disciplines of sociology, history, and law, to capture the full complexity of refugee resettlement and integration. Dr D’Avino’s work on social networks and emotional support in resettlement processes will be combined with the OU’s legal expertise in immigration law, human rights, and refugee protection. This collaborative approach ensures the project speaks directly to the real-world challenges faced by policymakers and communities alike.

The research also has a strong international dimension, engaging with partners and initiatives in Italy, Germany, and Portugal, ensuring that findings resonate across different national contexts and contribute to global debates on refugee protection.