Migration and diversity are defining themes of our time—shaping societies, cities, and policies across the globe. The LDE Centre for Governance of Migration and Diversity brings together researchers from Leiden University, TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam to study these challenges and help shape solutions through knowledge and collaboration.
Where it all began
The Centre was founded on the belief that complex societal issues require interdisciplinary thinking. Rather than beginning immediately with research, the three universities first launched a joint education programme — the GMD Master track. This was a deliberate choice: by bringing students and teachers together across disciplines first, the groundwork of shared understanding, trust and collaboration would be laid, making later research cooperation smoother.
Building a foundation through education
Launching the Master’s programme first proved timely and effective. It attracted a diverse, international group of students passionate about migration, governance and social change. More importantly, it created the networks and academic relationships that allowed the Centre to later form a robust joint research agenda.
Broadening the perspective
While governance and social sciences were the core from the start, the Centre has increasingly drawn in disciplines such as law and architecture. Legal scholars help unpack migration law, citiz
enship and human-rights frameworks; architects and urban planners offer insights into how cities adapt to diversification through housing design, infrastructure and public space. > Read more
Responsive and future-oriented
The Centre strikes a careful balance between responding to current developments and addressing long-term structural issues. On the one hand, it engages with pressing societal topics—on the other, it explores enduring questions about inclusion, governance and demographic change.
Connecting research and society
From its inception, the Centre has worked closely with societal partners: ministries, municipalities, NGOs and international organisations. Through advisory boards, public events and collaborative projects, it ensures its research isn’t just about migration and diversity — it is with the people and institutions directly involved.
Celebrating 10 Years: GMD’s jubileum conference
As part of its tenth-anniversary celebrations, the Centre will host the Jubilee Conference on 29 October 2025, held at Theatre Walhalla in Rotterdam. This offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of migration and diversity governance — and the role the LDE Centre has played and can continue to play. You are very welcome to join!
Highlights of the conference include:
- A plenary opening key note “Globalising Governance of Migration & Diversity”, featuring prominent international speakers such as Professor Adla Raghab (University of Cairo), Professor Sawsan Abdulrahim (American University of Beirut) and Professor Ahmet İçduygu (MiReKoç, Istanbul). Hosted by GMD Alumnus Alex Huang.
- Three rounds of interdisciplinary panels addressing themes such as:
- “50 Years of Dutch Migration Research: Reflections on Past, Present and Futures”
- “Co-creating Peaceful Migration Dialogues in a Polarised World”
- “The Migration Obsession: Why is the Netherlands So Obsessed with Migration?”
- The closing plenary, “Ten Years GMD: Past, Present & Futures,” brings together founders Professor Peter Scholten, Professor Marlou Schrover and Reinout Kleinhans, alongside GMD alumni, students, and fellows, with Professor Marjolijn Antheunis(ESSB Dean) and Professor Wim van de Doel (Dean Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities). Together, they reflect on GMD’s journey and how the Centre will continue connecting research, education, and impact in the years ahead.
- Seed Fund Awards ceremony showcasing the centre’s effort in fostering collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary research projects.
- Evening celebration: dinner, reunion and anniversary party with live discussion of the Dutch election night
