Kingston University academic secures British Academy Fellowship for research to tackle refugee inclusion challenges

A Kingston University academic has been awarded a British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship to further pioneering research to develop solutions for young refugees facing social exclusion. Dr Doğuş Şimşek, senior lecturer in criminology and sociology, will investigate how public spaces can be made more inclusive for refugee populations while addressing issues of poverty, inequality, and access to essential services.

The year-long fellowship will fund Dr Şimşek's research focusing on Turkey, which hosts the world's largest refugee population with more than three million people in a country of approximately 85 million. The project specifically examines the experiences of young refugees aged 18–29 in disadvantaged communities, investigating challenges around access to education, healthcare, employment, and public spaces.

"Turkey hosts the highest number of refugees in the world, yet there is limited understanding in Western countries about how non-Western nations manage large refugee populations while simultaneously experiencing economic crises," explains Dr Şimşek. "This research aims to bridge that knowledge gap while developing practical solutions."

Working with local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Turkey, Dr Şimşek will employ innovative research methodologies including walking interviews, mental mapping, geographical mapping, and digital storytelling to gather data. A key aspect of her approach is to co-produce research with young refugees themselves, involving them directly in formulating research questions and conducting focus groups.

The fellowship will facilitate workshops which will bring together refugees, policymakers, and local organisations to foster dialogue and collaboration. These sessions will allow policymakers to hear directly from refugees about their experiences and challenges, creating a platform for direct engagement in policy development.

Dr Şimşek, who is of Turkish descent, has previously conducted extensive research on refugees' access to resources and rights in Turkey. She has also recently published a book titled “Am I Less British?”: Racism, belonging, and the children of refugees and immigrants in North London which examines the sense of belonging among children of refugees and immigrants from Turkey living in North London.

The British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship emphasises partnerships between researchers and NGOs to produce high-quality, impactful research aligned with development purposes. Dr Şimşek's project falls under the citizenship and urbanisation scheme and aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing inequalities, developing sustainable cities and communities, eliminating poverty, promoting gender equality, and strengthening peace, justice, and institutions.

"This fellowship creates an important opportunity to connect research across borders," said Dr Şimşek. "The knowledge and practices developed in Turkey can be applied to refugee communities in London and elsewhere, creating valuable international impact."

Dr Şimşek emphasised that the outcomes of the research would be multifaceted and far-reaching, empowering young refugees through active participation in the research process and developing best practices for inclusive community spaces. The national impacts will include evidence-based policy recommendations for Turkish authorities on urban planning and refugee integration, potentially transforming how cities approach refugee settlement. Internationally, the knowledge gained will be transferable to other countries, including the UK, providing valuable insights for refugee settlement and social inclusion worldwide.

"The findings will contribute to developing inclusive public spaces that align with the aspirations of young refugees while fostering dialogue between refugees and host communities," says Dr Şimşek. "We expect to produce real-world solutions that can reduce social exclusion and create more harmonious living environments."

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