Chapter 5: Dissemination and communication of migration data and research

Summary

Research is the process of collecting, analysing and interpreting data, information and knowledge to increase public understanding of a topic. Academic research is aimed at improving knowledge on a specific field in a generalized manner, while applied research is aimed at finding solutions or improving a condition. Research can be disseminated through several different mediums including academic journal articles, handbooks and reports, policy briefs and blog posts. Academic journal articles are peer-reviewed and therefore guarantee high quality and reliable research. Handbooks, reports and policy briefs are generally more accessible and provide a range of suggestions and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. Blog posts and social media posts are timelier and key to increasing the visibility of research outputs. 

When it comes to the data life cycle, dissemination is the phase where official statistics, statistical analyses, statistical services and metadata are made available to end-users. Disseminating migration data enables researchers to answer questions which NSOs and other data producers do not have the time to answer, thereby demonstrating a return on investment, which encourages continued public financing of data collection activities. By providing access to data, the producers allow for correction or replication, which increases the perceived reliability of the data. To facilitate dissemination, National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and other members of the National Statistical System (NSS) are encouraged to draft a dissemination strategy; develop a release schedule; increase the visibility of new releases through social media; compile the metadata or ‘data about the data’; select the most appropriate dissemination method; decide on a paying model (if necessary for open-access); and, most importantly, invest in an integrated, user-friendly data portal.

In many countries, the dominant discourse about migration in the media does not always highlight the contribution of migrants to society, but refers instead to increasing ‘waves’ of migrants and asylum seekers, thereby increasing the perceived threat of migration. Journalists, public officials and any other actors communicating to the general public about migration data have a responsibility to promote an accurate and balanced discourse. This means using the correct terminology, avoiding unfounded or oversimplified narratives, integrating the perspectives of migrants themselves and investigating where the numbers come from and how they were produced. Furthermore, they are responsible for considering the risks for migrant communities and protecting the identity of any informants/interviewees.