Civitas University hosted the international conference “Life Beyond Refuge: Ukrainian Refugees with Disabilities Navigating Life in Warsaw and Bucharest”, marking the conclusion of the MIGRAEDU project, “Understanding Migration Realities: Research-Led Teaching on Migration in Diversifying Societies.” The event brought together researchers, academics, and students.
The conference programme featured presentations of the project’s key outcomes, discussions on integrating research into higher education through the Research-Led Teaching approach—one of the project’s core pillars—and reflections on the ethical challenges of conducting research with vulnerable populations.
A central highlight of the conference was the presentation of research findings on the experiences of Ukrainian refugees with disabilities and other special needs living in Warsaw and Bucharest. The speakers explored issues related to identity redefinition, frames of reference used to assess personal circumstances, coping strategies for the challenges of everyday life, and participants’ aspirations for the future. The findings underscored the complexity of refugee experiences and highlighted the importance of both individual and systemic support for groups particularly vulnerable to social exclusion.
Another important element of the conference was the presentation of the educational materials developed within the MIGRAEDU project. Based on the project’s research findings, these resources are designed to support innovative higher education in the fields of migration studies, humanitarian assistance, social integration, and migration research methodology.
The programme also included a session devoted to the ethical dimensions of conducting research with people who have experienced forced displacement. Discussions focused on building trust-based relationships with participants, conducting research with individuals who have experienced trauma, and ensuring the responsible management of sensitive data.
The conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences and fostering discussion, particularly on research-led teaching and the ethical dimensions of migration research. It also served as a symbolic conclusion to the MIGRAEDU project, celebrating its achievements while highlighting the lasting impact of its research and educational outputs.
