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
Prof. Tuba Bircan on how AI and digital data shape our understanding of migration
A new article led by Prof. Tuba Bircan has been published in "The Conversation", exploring how artificial intelligence and digital data are changing the way migration is studied and governed.
New Publication: Adolescent Girls' Labor and Identity in Rural Bolivia "Being a woman is a lot of work"
Camila Jimenez-Sanchez’s new open-access article explores how labor and seasonal migration shape identity and recognition among rural Quechua adolescent girls.
IMISCOE 2026 Maria Baganha Best Thesis Award for Billie Martiniello
Former BRISPO PhD student Billie Martiniello won the Best Thesis Award with her dissertation on rental discrimination at the IMISCOE conference.
IMISCOE Annual Conference 2027 to be hosted by Vrije Universiteit Brussel!
We are happy to announce that BRISPO (Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies) and BIRMM (Brussels Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Migration & Minorities) will host the IMISCOE 24th Annual Conference in Brussels, 6-9 July 2027.
ASA Distinguished Scholarly Article Award for Bryan Boyle and Dieter Vandebroeck
Bryan and Dieter are co-winners of the American Sociological Association Labor and Labor Movements Section’s Distinguished Scholarly Article Award for their article "The Labor of Distinction: Butlers, Service Work, and the Production of Elite Lifestyles".
Interview with Prof. Vanroelen and Prof. Hofmans on mental health problems at work
The interview (in English and Dutch) was conducted to mark the launch of a new project, the HELIOS-VUB Chair for Mental Well-being at Work, funded by the HELIOS Foundation.
New FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded to Marloes Hagenaars: From Print to Pupil
We are pleased to announce that Marloes Hagenaars has been awarded an FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship for her new research project “From Print to Pupil” (2026-2029).
Looking back on the Photovoice Symposium “From Camp to Campus”
On 21 May, the “From Camp to Campus” symposium brought together researchers and stakeholders at HIVA in Leuven to reflect on access to higher education in Flanders.
NewVoices survey: First Round Raffle Results Announced
The winning numerical codes are listed below. If your code appears on the list, congratulations - you have won a €200 voucher.
New comment in Knack: Long-term sick? Prevention is the best reintegration (in Dutch)
New commentary by Prof. Christophe Vanroelen (BRISPO – VUB) highlights the importance of shifting attention from reintegration to prevention in the workplace.
New Review paper Highlights Gaps in Participatory Research with Rural Children in Latin America
A new critical review examines how participatory research with children in rural Latin America continues to face challenges in the redistribution of power across research processes.
Fulltime position (100%) of Phd student & Teaching assistant in Sociology
PhD on how AI systems shape, reproduce, or challenge inequalities across domains such as public services, labour markets, education, or migration governance; deadline for application 15/06/2026.BRISPO Host offer for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
We are looking for talented researchers to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 grant.
EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR PAPERS!!! Degrees in Transition: Higher Education and Labour Market Integration of Newcomers and Refugees
Call for Papers for the Expert Workshop that will take place on 11-12 June 2026 at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Top photo: Alex Wasey
