Spotlight

Institute for Ethnic Studies

First IMISCOE Member Institute in Slovenia
14 October 2024

Established in 1925, the Institute for Ethnic Studies (IES) was among the first public research institutions in Slovenia and is considered one of the first research institutions of its kind in the world. The institute is now also part of the IMISCOE Network. 

Initially focused on the status of Slovenian minorities in neighbouring countries and ethnic minorities in Slovenia, the Institute has since its creation broadened its scope. Today, the IES team conducts research across all relevant areas of ethnic studies, thus contributing to the development of the protection of national and ethnic minorities, advising on policies concerning the situation of ethnic communities and migrants in Slovenia, and exploring topics related to ethnic minorities such as integration, nationalism, and other issues.

The IES has a library which is the central institution for the collection of ethnic studies in Slovenia and among the best-stocked libraries in the world for its specialised field. Despite its small size (26 employees), the IES boasts a vibrant community of researchers with a prolific output. Our commitment to advancing knowledge is further exemplified by the fact that the IES publishes Treatises and Documents, the Journal of Ethnic Studies, a high-quality international journal that aims to advance the multidisciplinary study of ethnic and minority issues. 
 
IES’s research in the field of migration primarily focuses on the integration of immigrants. We examine a range of aspects related to integration, from integration processes to the state of immigrant integration across different areas of life, as well as immigrants' perceptions of integration. The scope of our research includes both immigrants and their descendants. Furthermore, we are interested in examining the differences between various immigrant groups based on their countries of origin, with special attention to the largest immigrant groups in Slovenia, namely immigrants from the countries on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Additionally, we monitor and analyse integration policies and measures, and we study the attitudes of the majority population toward immigration, immigrants, and integration policies. Recently, we have focused on researching the civic and political participation of immigrants. This research examines the levels and forms of civic and political participation of immigrants in Slovenia compared to the majority population, as well as the influence of various factors (individual, group, or structural) on immigrant participation. Above all, we are interested in the connection between civic and political participation of immigrants and their integration. We study different types of immigrant participation and the relationships between these forms of participation and various dimensions of integration (psychological, linguistic, economic, navigational, and social). Our methodological approach is comprehensive, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure a thorough understanding of the integration processes and challenges faced by immigrants in Slovenia.
 
The researchers at the Institute for Ethnic Studies have long been committed to promoting academic debate on migration, integration and minority issues. As a new institutional member of IMISCOE, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with other partners in this international network. We see IMISCOE as an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge, promoting comparative research and shaping research agendas in the field of migration in Europe and beyond.
 
Our work at IES involves close collaboration with policy makers, civil society organizations and local communities, and we would like to bring this experience also into the IMISCOE network. We also look forward to working with IMISCOE’s diverse academic community and sharing insights from our studies on the integration of immigrants and their descendants.
 
Through our participation in IMISCOE, we hope to promote the dissemination of knowledge, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to shaping the future of migration research and policy development. We are particularly interested in supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions and create pathways for evidence-based policy formulation.

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