The Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies (BRISPO) is an interdisciplinary research centre composed of sociologists, demographers, economists, psychologists, statisticians, and human geographers. Its members conduct research on the socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic dimensions of patterns of social inequality within Belgium, Europe, and beyond.
Recent news
Elsa Gallez successfully defends her PhD
The thesis was titled "Schools as Gateways to Urban Nature for All: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Children’s (In)equitable Exposure to School-Related Green and Blue Infrastructure in Brussels and Other European Cities".
New publication: Toward ‘multiplied displacement’: Theorizing at the intersections of migration and urban studies
This article reconceptualises displacement, bringing together concepts developed in urban studies and migration research and focusing on the displacement processes and experiences of internationally displaced migrants.
New comment by Francesc Baró and Elsa Gallez in "Nature Climate Change"
The comment co-authored by two BRISPO members is titled "Greening schools for climate-resilient, inclusive and liveable cities".
Opinion piece by Tulya Su Güven on the role of public spaces in migrant integration
The op-ed "More Than Work and Housing: Why Public Spaces Are Crucial for Integration" was published on BIRMM's website (in English) and in 'knack' (in Dutch).
The Perception of Names in Experimental Studies on Ethnic Origin: A Cross-National Validation in Europe
This paper - led by Abel Ghiekere, Billie Martiniello and Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe - was published in Nature's Scientific Data.
Leandros Kavadias earns PhD degree
The PhD thesis titled “Paradoxes of the Schooled Society: Investigating the Centrality of Schooling and Its Institutional Effects from a Global Perspective” was supervised by Bram Spruyt, Toon Kuppens, and Susanne Scheibe.
Five Traditions of Quantitative Research on Racism - New review article in Sociology Compass
Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe reviews the research traditions on explicit attitudes, implicit bias, discriminatory behavior, migration policies, racial disparities, and personal experiences of discrimination.
New policy brief about ethnic diversity in the Federal public services
Why are ethnic minorities underrepresented in Belgium’s federal public sector? Read the key findings and recommendations from the FedDiverse project led by Bert Leysen and Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe.
Upcoming events
Practical info11/02/2026 - 17:00 - 11/02/2026 - 19:00BRISPO and BIRMM's Movie Nights: "Soundtrack to a Coup d'État"
Join us for free screenings about race, class and imperialism. Pleinlaan 5, 4th floor, Raadszaal.
Practical info15/02/2026 - 23:58 - 15/02/2026 - 23:59Call for Abstracts for the Session "Migrant mental health and healthcare utilization"
The session is organised as a part of the ESHMS 2026 Conference in Hamburg (19-21 August 2026). Submission deadline is February 15th, 2026.-
Practical info11/03/2026 - 17:00 - 11/03/2026 - 19:00
BRISPO and BIRMM's Movie Nights: "A City of Sadness"
Join us for free screenings about race, class and imperialism. Pleinlaan 5, 4th floor, Raadszaal. -
Practical info08/04/2026 - 17:00 - 08/04/2026 - 19:00
BRISPO and BIRMM's Movie Nights: "L'histoire de Souleymane"
Join us for free screenings about race, class and imperialism. Pleinlaan 5, 4th floor, Raadszaal. -
Practical info06/05/2026 - 17:00 - 06/05/2026 - 19:00
BRISPO and BIRMM's Movie Nights: "This Magnificent Cake!"
Join us for free screenings about race, class and imperialism. Pleinlaan 5, 4th floor, Raadszaal.
Top photo: Alex Wasey
