Towards a new agenda for international migration research

This paper presents some of the initial ideas of the International Migration Institute (IMI), which was set up in early 2006 as part of the James Martin 21st Century School. It starts with a brief analysis of the current state of global migration and its emerging trends, and highlights some of the gaps in existing research efforts and policy responses. We then present four broad themes of migration research that need to be considered in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the changing face of international migration. We take these themes as the foundation for a new research agenda, which we will be taking forward within the International Migration Institute, starting with a programme of research focused on migration patterns and processes within, to and from Africa.