Experts Database

Migration - research - policy ||
PhD in Anthropology ||
Research coordinator Migration Policy Department, Ministry of Justice and Security, The Netherlands

I am a French research and teaching economist based in Cairo since 2014. Presently, I am heading the Research Center of ESLSCA University - Egypt. I am also an independent consultant on migration-related issues. I have recently worked with the Mixed Migration Centre (North Africa Hub), International Labour Organization (ILO Cairo Office), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Bank (KNOMAD). I earned my PhD in 2013. My current research interests are: mixed migration flows, determinants of migration and non-migration including behavioural ones; decision-making process; evidence-based migration and asylum policies.

Alissa Symon is currently undertaking her PhD in the University of Oxford under the supervision of Dr Michael Biggs. Her thesis examines the political relationship between Israel and American Jews. Her research interests focus on issues connected to the homeland-diaspora paradigm, transnational political activism, religious studies and interfaith relations.

I have over 17 years of experience as a sociologist of migration and gender (Central European University, University of Warwick), a policy analyst (European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre) and Migration and Freedom of Movement Adviser (OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights). Alongside with my research and policy work, I designed innovative ways of communicating scientific knowledge and engaging policymakers, civil society and young people in strategic and forward-looking debates about human rights, migration and integration. My latest achievement is the development of Destination Europe, an innovative educational and training tool / serious game about migration and integration governance for young people and migration practitioners. Check it out at destinationeurope.uni.lu (co-created with the European Migration Network).