Migration, understood as a permanent relocation of the center of life to another place, is an ancient phenomenon. Historical examples include the emigration from the desertifying Sahara between 3000 and 1000 BC, the Greek colonization of the Mediterranean in the 1st millennium BC, the mass emigration from Europe to America in the 19th century or the flight of many Syrians from the civil war in their country since 2011.

As the historical examples mentioned show, the motives for migration can be very different. A change of location can be motivated by the search for better working conditions, greater economic prosperity or a generally better life and can therefore be largely voluntary. Under certain circumstances, migrants may return to their original place of residence after a longer period of time. However, migration is often also the result of displacement as a result of military conflicts, religious or ideological persecution, so that migration decisions are virtually forced. Advancing climate change can also create pressure to emigrate in the most affected regions. HWWI researchers analyze the size, composition and determinants of international (but also internal) migration flows. A particular focus is on the analysis of climate-related migration.

Migration decisions can have a wide variety of effects on both the origin and the destination. Germany has always had a net immigration balance in recent decades, so the effects of immigration rather than emigration are more relevant here. Against this background, HWWI scientists are conducting researching what effects observed and expected immigration has on the Federal Republic of Germany. HWWI researchers also analyze how the people who remain in Germany permanently can be integrated as well as possible into society and the economy.