Concluding Plenary
Ten Years GMD: Past, Present and Futures
Time: 16:15
Venue: Main Hall, Theatre Walhalla, Rotterdam
The concluding plenary marks the culmination of the LDE GMD 10th Anniversary Conference. This session brings together the Centre’s founders, alumni, and current leadership to reflect on ten years of interdisciplinary collaboration in the governance of migration and diversity — and to collectively envision the path forward for the next decade.
Over the past decade, the Leiden–Delft–Erasmus Governance of Migration and Diversity (GMD) Centre has grown into a vibrant platform for research, education, and societal engagement. The concluding plenary serves as both a moment of commemoration and a forum for future orientation, combining short talks, interactive discussions, and the presentation of this year’s GMD Seed Fund Awards.
Remarks by
- Wim van den Doel, Dean of the Leiden–Delft–Erasmus Alliance
- Marjolijn Antheunis (Dean, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences)
Roundtable I — Reflection on Ten Years of GMD
This first roundtable examines the Centre’s evolution since its establishment, focusing on its academic contributions, relevance to policy and practice, and the value of its interdisciplinary LDE foundation.
Guiding questions include:
- What are the key achievements of GMD, and what makes the Centre distinctive?
- How has GMD contributed to teaching, research, and societal impact?
- What have been the main challenges in building and sustaining the Centre?
Participants:
- Marlou Schrover – reflecting on the origins of GMD, its teaching and research dimensions, and the significance of its LDE character
- Reinout Kleinhans – discussing the relevance and impact of GMD and directions for further growth
- Amir Ali Abadi (Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment; GMD alumnus) – offering the perspective of an alumnus on the skills, experiences, and practical relevance of the programme
The discussion concludes with questions and contributions from the audience.
GMD Seed Fund Awards Ceremony
Presented by Maria Schiller
Presentation of the 2025 GMD Seed Fund Awards, celebrating innovative and collaborative initiatives that exemplify the Centre’s mission to bridge research, education, and societal impact across the LDE universities.
Roundtable II — Imagining Futures for GMD
The second roundtable looks ahead to the next ten years of GMD, exploring strategic priorities and emerging opportunities for research, teaching, and engagement.
Guiding questions include:
- What should GMD look like in 10 years, and how can it remain relevant in a changing world?
- What challenges and opportunities define the future of migration and diversity research?
- How can GMD further globalise its activities and partnerships?
Participants:
- Imke van Garderen (FNV Netherlands, Chair of the LDE GMD Advisory Board)
- Luke van der Wouw (LDE GMD Writing Fellow)
- Alejandra Martinez Tamayo (GMD Student Board)
- Medha Gupta (GMD Student Board)
Each participant will offer concise reflections before an open discussion with the moderator and the audience.