STSM for Scientific paper preparation and further institutional collaboration

Short-Term Scientific Mission Blog: Field Notes

Grantee name: Dr. Altin Idrizi

Details of the STSM:

Title: STSM for Scientific paper preparation and further institutional collaboration

Start and end date: 16/03/2024 to 22/03/2024

Home Country: Albania

Host Country: Malta

In March 2024, I had the unique opportunity to embark on a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the University of Malta, a venerable institution known for its rich academic heritage and vibrant research community. This mission, part of the broader objectives of COST Action CA21120, aimed to delve into the nuanced history of identity documentation in European nations, with a special focus on the Albanian migrant community in Malta.

The primary goal of this STSM was to blend historical research with the contemporary realities of migration, using the case study of Albanian migrants in Malta to explore the evolving dynamics of identity documentation. This inquiry was not just academic; it sought to understand the personal narratives and challenges faced by migrants, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of migration’s societal impacts.

The University of Malta stood as an ideal setting for this research, offering access to a wealth of resources, academic experts, and a gateway to the migrant community in Malta. My work was supported by Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino and Dr. Ermira Tartari Bonnici, who provided invaluable insights and connections that enriched my research experience.

My mission was meticulously planned to maximize the impact and scope of the research. It involved engaging with the Albanian migrant community through interviews, participating in academic discussions, and exploring potential collaborations under the Erasmus+ programs. These activities were aimed at gathering firsthand accounts of the migration experience, understanding the role of identity documentation, and fostering academic exchanges that could support future research initiatives.

One of the most enriching aspects of the STSM was the direct engagement with the Albanian migrant community. Through more than ten interviews, I gathered personal stories that shed light on the complex interplay between identity, migration, and documentation. These narratives highlighted the resilience and challenges faced by migrants, offering a poignant perspective on their experiences in Malta.

Additionally, the discussions with Jake Grech, from the Erasmus Programmes International Office, opened avenues for future academic collaborations. These conversations underscored the importance of international academic partnerships in addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding migration and identity documentation.

The STSM at the University of Malta was an incredibly fulfilling experience, deepening my understanding of migration’s impacts on identity documentation and vice versa. The qualitative data collected during this mission will form the basis of a comprehensive research paper, aiming to contribute to the academic discourse and policy-making processes related to migration.

Looking ahead, the connections established during this mission promise fruitful future collaborations. Whether through joint research projects, academic exchanges, or policy discussions, the groundwork has been laid for ongoing engagement with the themes explored during this STSM.

In conclusion, my time at the University of Malta was not only productive in terms of research outcomes but also profoundly impactful on a personal level. The insights gained from the Albanian migrant community, the academic collaborations initiated, and the potential for future work together highlight the importance of interdisciplinary and international research in understanding and addressing the complexities of migration in today’s world.

STSM’s Contribution of the Action’s scientific objectives

The Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the University of Malta significantly contributed towards the scientific objectives of COST Action CA21120, particularly in enhancing our understanding of identity documentation’s historical and contemporary aspects within the migration context. By focusing on the Albanian migrant community in Malta, the mission provided invaluable insights into the nuanced experiences and challenges of migrants, enriching the discourse on citizenship, nationality, and migration in Europe.

The direct engagement with migrants and key stakeholders yielded a rich dataset of qualitative information, showcasing the complexities of identity documentation against the backdrop of migration. This aligns with the Action’s goal of fostering interdisciplinary research and dialogue on identity documentation, migration, and the societal implications therein. The planned research paper, based on the STSM’s findings, aims to contribute original scholarly insights, facilitating a deeper academic and policy-oriented understanding of these issues.

For me personally, the STSM offered a multifaceted array of benefits. It enabled the development of new academic networks and the establishment of potential long-term collaborations, particularly through the initiation of discussions for future partnerships under the Erasmus+ programs. The hands-on experience of conducting research in a multicultural environment broadened my perspectives and enhanced my qualitative research skills. Furthermore, the insights gained from the migrant community have not only enriched my academic endeavors but also highlighted the societal importance of our research, driving home the real-world impact of scholarly work on migration and identity documentation.

In summary, the STSM at the University of Malta has been instrumental in advancing the scientific objectives of COST Action CA21120 and has provided significant personal and professional growth opportunities, underscoring the value of international collaboration and interdisciplinary research in addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Most significant thing learned from the STSM

The most significant lesson I learned from my Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the University of Malta revolves around the profound interconnectedness of identity, migration, and documentation. Engaging directly with the Albanian migrant community illuminated the intricate ways in which identity documentation not only serves as a bureaucratic necessity but also profoundly influences migrants’ lives, shaping their integration experiences, access to services, and sense of belonging in a new country.

This mission underscored the importance of personal narratives in understanding the multifaceted impacts of migration. The stories shared by Albanian migrants revealed the emotional and psychological dimensions of migration that are often overshadowed by legal and administrative discussions. These narratives highlighted resilience, adaptation, and the ongoing negotiation of identity in the face of bureaucratic systems and societal challenges.

Furthermore, the STSM taught me the value of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research. Working within a diverse academic environment and engaging with individuals from various backgrounds enriched my research approach, encouraging me to consider multiple perspectives and methodologies. This has reinforced my belief in the necessity of embracing interdisciplinary insights to address complex societal issues like migration.

Lastly, the STSM has emphasized the critical role of academic and institutional collaborations in enriching research outcomes. The opportunity to forge connections with academics, professionals, and migrants opened new avenues for dialogue, learning, and future research collaborations. It has highlighted the potential of international partnerships in driving forward the academic discourse on migration and identity documentation, offering a model for future research endeavours in this field and beyond.