Life Strategies of Young Migrants in Ageing Societies
About Us
About the LYMAS Project
In the project, we focus on case studies in various European cities and regions: Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt in Germany, Wrocław and Lower Silesia in Poland, the Jura Arc in Switzerland, and Burgenland, Innsbruck, Lower Austria, and Vienna in Austria. Together, we examine the experiences, strategies, and life trajectories of young mobile persons and answer questions such as:
- How do young mobile persons navigate intergenerational relations in their personal and professional lives?
- How are they affected by structural and institutional changes in ageing societies?
- What processes of minoritization, othering and intersectionality shape their life trajectories?
Our research combines narrative interviews with participatory filmmaking to capture young mobile individuals’ perspectives. Additionally, we conduct a policy analysis to explore how demographic and migration policies at local, national, and EU levels influence the lives and opportunities of young mobile persons. Interviews with experts in the field – including employers, policymakers, and community leaders – provide further insights into the social and institutional context. Through our work, we aim to inform inclusive policies that address societal ageing while recognizing the roles and ambitions of young mobile persons.
The research is carried out at the German Center for Integration and Migration Research in Berlin (DeZIM), the University of Neuchâtel, the University of Wrocław and the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI).
Research Team
Meet Our Team
The LYMAS project is carried out by an international team of researchers, representing various scientific disciplines and methodological approaches. Our goal is to create a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of young migrants.
Tom Augustiniak
Filmmaking Workshop Instructor
Emmanuel Charmillot
Senior Researcher
Mateusz Karolak
Senior Researcher
Birgit Raffler
Researcher
Anna Shostak
Researcher & PhD Candidate
Methodology
Our Research Approach
The LYMAS project combines three research approaches:
and expert interviews:
Investigating the impact of local, national, and EU policies on the life strategies of young migrants.
interviews:
Conversations with young migrants to understand their individual stories and challenges.
workshops:
Participatory sessions where young migrants create short documentary films showcasing their everyday lives.
This combination allows us to study the experiences of young people on
multiple levels – from individual to systemic.
Project Partners
Our Partners
The LYMAS project is conducted in collaboration with international research institutions and supported by the Volkswagen Foundation. Together, we analyze local contexts and migration challenges, creating a comprehensive picture of the experiences of young people in ageing societies.
List of partners:
- Volkswagen Stiftung – The main sponsor of the project.
- DeZIM Institute – The German Center for Integration and Migration Research.
- University of Wrocław – Polish project partner.
- University of Neuchâtel – Coordinator of research activities.
- Management Center Innsbruck – Austrian project partner.
Why LYMAS?
What Makes LYMAS Unique?
The LYMAS project not only conducts research but also actively engages young migrants in the creative process. Through film workshops and biographical interviews, we give them a platform to tell their own stories and influence the narrative around migration in Europe.
