Doctoral Seminar
In 2020, SNyMS collaborated for the first time with the Center for Migration Law (Universities of Bern, Neuchâtel and Fribourg) in the organization of its Doctoral Seminar. In 2025, the 12th edition of the doctoral seminar took place on the 11th and 12th of December @ Centre Löwenberg in Morat/Murten.
This year, the 13th edition of the Center for Migration Law’s Doctoral Seminar is organized in collaboration with the CUSO PhD programme in Migration Studies on the 26th and 27th of November @ the Hostellerie am Schwarzsee in Canton Freiburg. Read more about it in the description below.
About the Doctoral Seminar's 13th edition
26th and 27th of November 2026 @ Hostellerie am Schwarzsee (Schwarzsee-Bad, Freiburg)
Objective
This year marks the 13th edition of the Centre for Migration Law’s Doctoral Seminar, organised in collaboration with the CUSO PhD programme in Migration Studies. The conference offers a unique platform for PhD researchers working on topics related to migration. The seminar takes place over two days and gives participants the opportunity to present their research, exchange ideas with other researchers and refine their analysis.
Content
Previous editions have demonstrated the richness and diversity of current migration research, whilst also highlighting the crucial importance of an interdisciplinary approach in this field. This year, too, we invite doctoral students from all disciplines (including law, sociology, political science, geography, anthropology, philosophy and economics) to submit their proposals. Regardless of how far along their doctoral thesis is, participants are free to present a brief overview of their research topic, an in-depth analysis of a specific chapter or article, or a methodological reflection. The seminar is intended to be inclusive and open, with no thematic or methodological restrictions. We warmly encourage everyone interested to prepare a paper of no more than one page, which they can share with the other participants in advance.
Format
Contributions will take the form of a 20-minute presentation to the plenary, followed by discussions with an expert and the other participants.
External experts
As in previous years, we will benefit from the expertise of invited senior researchers in the area of migration. Their presence will enrich the exchange, offer additional perspectives and help to expand the doctoral researchers’ networks.
Bilingualism
The seminar will be held in German and French. Presentations in English are also accepted; however, at least a passive understanding of French and German is strongly recommended.
Submission of proposals
Please send an abstract of no more than 300 words (for a presentation or workshop) by the 1st of September 2026 to lisa.stalder@unine.ch.
The members of the organizing committee are available to provide further information about the organisation and schedule of the event.
It is also possible to attend the Doctoral Seminar without giving a presentation. Anyone interested is invited to express their interest using the same email address.
Registrations will open on the 15th of September 2026, once the programme has been finalised on the basis of the submitted proposals.