Launched in October 2023 and hosted by PDRI-DevLab, the Forced Displacement Working Group (FDWG) is organized biannually to advance evidence-informed responses to forced displacement, migration, and social cohesion.
The initiative is led by PDRI-DevLab’s co-academic directors, Guy Grossman and Erik Wibbels, as well as Claire Adida (Stanford University) and Thomas Ginn (Center for Global Development). FDWG was established to bridge the gap between what policymakers identify as urgent priorities and the research questions academics tend to pursue.
Our core goals are to:
- Shape applied research agendas around policy-critical questions and frontline operational challenges
- Translate empirical findings into actionable, context-relevant insights for practitioners
- Build and tighten collaboration between researchers and implementers to co-design projects and long-term learning agendas
Each FDWG meeting features an interactive roundtable, targeted lightning talks, and panel discussions co-designed with member input to ensure timely and policy-relevant engagement. Through synthesis briefs, informal exchanges, and cross-sectoral dialogue, FDWG supports the uptake of evidence in ways that strengthen institutional responses and improve outcomes for displaced people and host communities.
The working group includes over 200 members across academic, governmental, and operational sectors, and continues to grow as a dynamic, member-driven learning community.
