The Migration Institute of Finland advances understanding of how migration shapes wellbeing, inclusion and participation across different domains of life. Our research examines the interconnected roles of working life, education, and local communities in shaping migrants’ opportunities, health, and quality of life. We approach integration from critical perspectives as a multidirectional process that involves not only newcomers, but also institutions, municipalities, employers and society at large both in receiving and sending societies. 

A particular strength of our work lies in generating knowledge on the barriers and opportunities that shape migrants’ professional trajectories through research on labour market integration and transnational labor recruitment. We are also at the forefront of research on how migrations both within as well as across countries affect wellbeing. By investigating both structural conditions and subjective wellbeing, we provide insights into how individuals navigate migration, settlement, and belonging in changing social environments.  

We study integration as a phenomenon that involves multi-sectoral engagement. Through close collaboration with municipalities, civil society organisations, employers, and migrant communities, our research seeks to promote social cohesion, wellbeing, and equitable participation. Our research not only identifies challenges but also develops innovative approaches to creating more inclusive and resilient communities for all. 

Keywords: health, climate crisis, climate mobilities, working life, skills recognition, de-skilling, international students, multidirectional integration, municipalities, subjective wellbeing 

Examples of Projects

Ethical Police (EEPO): A narrative-ethnographic research of ethical principles, conflicts, and competence in preventive police work
Kone Foundation
2026–2029
Follow the money… to the land of milk and honey? Tracing the transnational political economies of nurse migration from the Philippines to Finland
Kone Foundation
2026–2029
Travelling linguistic resources: onward migration within a language community
Svenska Litteratursällskapet
2026–2027
No Time for Despair: The Geopolitics of (Peri)Menopause
Kone Foundation
2025–
Mentor on the Move
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Erasmus-Sport
2024–2027
Monimuotoinen työyhteisö rakentamassa paikallista innovaatioympäristöä (MONI-INNO)
Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia (ERDF) and Migration Institute of Finland
2024–2025
Ukrainalaisten asianmukainen työllistyminen maakunnan kehityksen voimavarana
Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia (AKKE-funding) and Migration Institute of Finland
2024–2025
Endings – Refuge, Time, and Space
Kone Foundation
2023–2026
Mobile Futures: Diversity, Trust and Two-Way Integration
Strategic Research Council (SRC) established within the Academy of Finland
2021–2027

Research Theme Leads