Asylum in Belgium: Research and Practice in Dialogue
This conference will bring together researchers and practitioners to discuss current research and practical experiences related to asylum in Belgium. Organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Migration Law Research Group (MigrLaw) at Ghent University, the event will explore challenges faced by applicants for international protection and the role of interdisciplinary and empirical research in informing policy and practice.
What
Organised by the Migration Law Research Group (MigrLaw) at Ghent University, this conference will mark the group's 10th anniversary by bringing together three MigrLaw researchers and professionals working in the field of asylum in Belgium. The discussions will focus on research findings and practical experiences, with an emphasis on how research can contribute to improving support for applicants for international protection.
The conference will address a range of topics related to the asylum procedure and reception system in Belgium, including the experiences of persons seeking protection on the basis of their sexual orientation, myths surrounding gender-based violence in the asylum procedure, and the experiences of children and young people during appeal proceedings before the Council for Alien Law Litigation.
The programme will also explore how applicants for international protection can be better supported, as well as the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary and empirical research. Participants will discuss how research can be made relevant and accessible to policymakers and practitioners, fostering dialogue between academic research and practice.
Where
The conference will take place at the Ghent University Museum, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
When
7 September 2026, 09:00–14:00 CEST
More information
The conference will be held in Dutch.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
After the conference, participants will have the opportunity to visit the BORDERS exhibition at the Ghent University Museum or take a walk through the Botanical Garden.
