Rethinking migration systems through a multi-dimensional approach
The Complex Migration Flows and Multiple Drivers in Comparative Perspective (MEMO) is a six-year-long research project (2022 - 2028) that examines internal, interregional, and intercontinental migration flows and drivers across three main regions: South/Southeast Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal and Malaysia), West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and the Ivory Coast) and the Americas (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Canada). Through the generous funding of $2.5 million from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's Partnership Grant, MEMO brings together a diverse, multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary team of 38 academics and 32 partner organizations across three continents in this exploration of migration flows.
飫 6 Year long Project
飩 12 Countries
飪 Team of 38+ Academics
飯 32+ Partner Organizations
$ 2.5 MiIlion in Funding
飦 Across 3 Continents
What is the MEMO Project? Watch the video below to learn more about the project.
Why People Move: Interconnected Drivers of Complex Migration 鈥 MEMO 2nd Annual Conference
Bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines and regions, this 2-day conference highlighted the overlapping drivers of migration and the lived realities behind them. Through comparative case studies, quantitative modelling tools, and global collaborations, the panellists discussed why people move and what these patterns mean for future research and policy.
International Migration: From Root Causes to Drivers 鈥 Joint Conference Between CERC Migration, MEMO Partnership Grant, and Bridging Divides
This conference examined the multiple drivers of migration, including social, economic, political, and environmental, as well as the ways in which they shape decision-making. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders in the field of migration, including leading researchers, academics, policy-makers, students, and people from civil society organizations.
Public Engagement
(2026, March 21). Buzzsprout.
Martin, P. (2025). [Podcast interview]. With C. Masferrer.
Masferrer, C., Shivakoti, R., & Kuhner, G. (2025, February 25). What鈥檚 driving migration? (Season 3, Episode 7) [Podcast episode]. In M. Perzyna (Host), Borders and Belonging. CERC Migration, 成人大片.
University of Ghana. (2025).
University of Ghana. (2025).
Leyla, S. (2025). [News article]. Radio-Canada International.
Masferrer, C. (2025, January 20). Revista Este Pa铆s.
Publication Highlights
Akbar, M. (2026). (PDF file) Migration Drivers and Postmigration Experiences of Bangladeshi Immigrants in Canada. The Global Migration Institute, 成人大片, Working Paper No. 2025/17.
Ghio, D., Hoyos鈥怘oyos, S., Liu, G., Kyeremeh, E., McLeman, R., Resch, G., & Mazalek, A. (2026). Environmetrics, 37(1).
Shivakoti, R., & Nagari, D. (2025). (PDF file) Nepali immigrants in Canada: Complex pathways and experiences. TMCIS and CERC in Migration and Integration Working Paper No. 2025/17.
Hoyos-Hoyos, S., Aleghfeli, Y. K., & Kyeremeh, E. (2025). . Forced Migration Review, (76).
鈥孏arc铆a-Guerrero, V. M., Masferrer, C., & Ghio, D. (2025). Envisioning Mexico's migration future: Three scenarios to inform policy and transform narratives. Demographic Research.
Ghio, D., Goujon, A., Natale, F., Alfredo, A., & Petroliagkis, T. (2023). Population and Environment, 45(28).
Hillmann, F., & Veronis, L. (2025). Cosmopolitan Civil Societies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 17(1), 1鈥13.
Smith, C. D., & Masferrer, C. (2023). International Journal of Migration and Border Studies, 9(1/2), 1鈥8.