Myanmar Research Network (MRN)
The Myanmar Research Network was created in 2019 by researchers from SSPS (Anthropology and Development Studies and Political Science) and School of Geography, and now includes over 90 members including academic staff and students across the University of Melbourne.
Overview
Migration in the 21st century is a pervasive and diversified phenomenon, outgrowing its name. Settler migration remains an Australian issue of great consequence. The word ‘mobility’ was therefore added to reflect the contemporary variety of human movements. The fast-growing phenomenon of professionals in temporary migration and the swelling international student numbers are just two of the ‘new’ types of mobility.
Migration and mobility are also associated with many other complex issues such as ethnic diversity, identity, nationalism, diaspora, transnationalism, globalisation, racism, settlement, multiculturalism, urbanisation, cross-cultural communication, labour and housing markets, refugee protection, cosmopolitanism, citizenship, etc.
Outcomes
The interdisciplinary MMRN group consists of researchers from Melbourne’s universities, policymakers, government and NGO representatives, and research students. This network is a forum for:
- academics to forge research collaborations
- research students to find supervisors
- researchers to meet potential collaborators from the government and NGO sectors
- government and NGO representatives to develop research connections.
Launched in January 2009, the MMRN meets on the last Friday of each month. MMRN meetings consist of research seminars followed by networking opportunities. Meeting formats may vary at times to include round-tables and workshops. The MMRN is also open to ideas from members.