The editorial team of Migration Politics is seeking innovative and original paper proposals for the in-person residency taking place at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria, from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
Submissions are invited from scholars at all career stages conducting inspiring empirical or conceptual research on topics related to “Migration Politics and Violence”. Migration politics and violence are increasingly intertwined in contemporary societies, manifesting through structural, political and community-level forms of coercion and exclusion. Contributions should analyze how these forms of violence are produced, experienced, and contested within migration politics, and examine their political causes and consequences across different contexts. Submissions should offer theoretical or empirically grounded insights into the ways violence shapes migration governance, migrant lives, and broader political dynamics.
In the case of empirical papers, data collection must be completed prior to submitting a paper proposal to the Migration Politics Residency Programme. Submissions should demonstrate theoretical and methodological rigor and transparency; for example, this may include the provision of replication data and/or appendices with detailed validation and robustness checks. Submissions that move beyond a predominantly European focus and examine the interconnections between migration politics and violence across diverse geographical and political contexts are particularly encouraged.
Successful applicants will participate in an intensive, one-week residency programme in Krems, Austria. The programme will include two presentations by each participant, as well as in-depth feedback sessions with the editorial team, fellow authors-in-residence, and invited migration scholars. The primary aim of the residency is to further develop the draft into a full manuscript ready for submission shortly thereafter, fostering dialogical and collaborative research practices in line with the philosophy of Migration Politics.
Following the residency, participants are expected to submit their manuscripts for peer review to Migration Politics, a journal offering rigorous peer review and full open-access publication without article processing charges (platinum open access). Acceptance into the residency does not automatically imply acceptance for publication.
The residency will take place at the University of Continuing Education Krems, Austria, from 28 September to 2 October 2026. This year’s residency will be organized by Heidrun Bohnet with administrative support by Adriana Harm, along with other members of the Senior Editorial Fellowship and the Department of Migration and Globalisation team at the University of Continuing Education Krems.
To ensure equitable participation, a limited number of scholarships are available to provide financial support for scholars without or with limited financial means. Participants with access to institutional or project-based funding are asked to contribute fully or partially to the residency costs (e.g., low-cost flight or train ticket and/or accommodation for one week). Scholars are welcome to submit co-authored work; however, financial support—if no other funding is available—can be provided for only one person per accepted proposal.
Only authors who have submitted a full draft of the paper (approximately 8,000–9,000 words excluding references) one month prior to the start of the residency (31 August 2026) will be eligible to attend.
The proposal deadline is 6 April 2026. Proposals (1,000–1,500 words) should be submitted through the designated form and must include:
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A short introduction with the main research question(s)
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The expected key contribution to ongoing scholarly debates, including engagement with relevant literature
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A detailed description of the methodological approach (if applicable)
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The empirical material (if applicable; data collection must already be completed)
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Preliminary findings
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References (not included in the word limit)
Proposals will be evaluated based on originality and innovation, the strength of the theoretical and conceptual framework, and the methodological approach and empirical material. Overall clarity, coherence, and suitability to the Migration Politics journal, as well as alignment with this year’s focus on “Migration Politics and Violence”, will also be decisive.
If the paper has a different focus, or if the dates of the in-person residency are not suitable, submission to a later call or another track of the Migration Politics journal is recommended. A paper may only be submitted to one track.
For questions directly related to the in-person residency, please consult the FAQ. If questions remain, inquiries can be sent via email to