On 4–5 December, the EuroMedMig PhD Network held its first inaugural Icebreaker Meeting in Barcelona, hosted by GRITIM-UPF, the coordinating institution. The event gathered partners, associated partners, Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), and advisory board members for two days of training, presentations, strategic discussions, and community building.

 The first day began with a welcome lunch and introductory session, where ESRs presented themselves and supervisors and partners were introduced collectively. This was followed by the Opening Lecture delivered by Gerasimos Tsourapas, offering a thought-provoking examination of how migration data in the Mediterranean is constructed, mediated, and politically shaped. The day continued with an interactive ESR poster session, combining free circulation, structured presentations, and group discussion, before closing with a group dinner in the city.

Day two featured parallel activities. ESRs took part in Research Lab 1: Ethics in Migration Research, an in-depth workshop facilitated by Nena Mocnik and Evren Yalaz, which explored ethical dilemmas, positionality, power relations, and institutional requirements in fieldwork. At the same time, partners, supervisors, associated partners, and the advisory board met for a Strategic Coordination & Partnership Roundtable, reviewing project governance, scientific activities, partner updates, secondments, and planning the roadmap for 2026–27.

After a joint lunch, the afternoon brought one of the event’s key moments: a dedicated Associated Partners Presentation Session, where each organisation introduced itself and outlined the resources, networks, and collaboration opportunities it offers to ESRs and the wider project. This session helped clarify future contributions and strengthened cross-institutional cooperation. In parallel, short individual icebreaker videos were recorded, rounding off the event with a creative and communicative touch. A final group photo marked the close of the meeting.

This inaugural in-person gathering marks a significant milestone for the EuroMedMig PhD Network. It successfully strengthened connections across the consortium, consolidated the project community, and set a solid foundation for the years ahead.
 

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