For the Eur-Asian Border Lab, 2024 was a transformative year, redefining borders not just as geopolitical divides but as spaces for collaboration and innovation. From scholarly exchanges and groundbreaking research to hosting film screenings, launching our own forum, and participating in a range of global events, the year was marked by profound engagement with diverse perspectives.
Global connections and scholarly exchanges
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A defining moment of the year was the Bridging the Regions and Disciplines in Border Studies Symposium held at Tallinn University. This event brought together 66 scholars from 17 countries, sparking discussions through 45 thought-provoking presentations on topics that spanned Europe, Asia, and beyond. Field visits to Narva, Estonia’s iconic border town, and a roundtable at the Estonian Parliament provided an immersive backdrop, allowing theory to intersect with lived experiences.
This spirit of global collaboration continued throughout the year:
- Timothy Anderson participated in the Harvard FXB-University of Athens Summer School, exploring migration dynamics in the Mediterranean. Later, his research stint at the University of Amsterdam deepened his insights into migration and borders in Europe.
- Karin Dean spearheaded the Lab’s engagement in Southeast Asia, with a delegation to Thailand fostering academic ties with Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University.
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- Iverson Ng represented the lab at the China in the World Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, presenting on China’s influence in British Overseas Territories, with a focus on Hong Kong.
- Alicja Fajfer led workshops on project communication and Erasmus+ innovations at Tallinn University, while also earning high praise for her leadership in the LangWork Erasmus+ Project.
- John Buchanan also participated in a two-day workshop on checkpoints in conflict, held in Montreux, Switzerland, and jointly convened by the Danish Institute for International Studies, the International Centre for Tax and Development, and the Centre on Armed Groups.
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Meanwhile, among other moments that took us across the globe was Tina Harris’ visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.
Celebrating research milestones
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2024 also marked significant milestones in research and publication. The year saw the release of impactful papers and contributions from our team, including co-edited journal issues, book chapters, and articles. Mikel Venhovens co-edited Roadsides Journal’s special issue, while Iverson Ng celebrated a personal achievement by submitting his first PhD article to the Journal of Borderland Studies, further contributing to our academic output. These publications not only advanced our understanding of borders and migration but also demonstrated the breadth of expertise within the Lab. Explore some of our recent publications.
Looking ahead to 2025
There is so much to look forward to in 2025:
- The Border Lab Summer School in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, will provide a dynamic platform for scholars and practitioners to rethink borders in the context of Central Asia.
- Our team will engage in exciting projects. For instance, Tina Harris will explore new frontiers in aerial bordering, digital geopolitics, and no-fly zones, pushing the boundaries of how we understand and study borders.
- Continued fieldwork and collaborations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East will expand the lab’s global reach and deepen our insights into local and regional border dynamics.
- This year promises a packed calendar with a wealth of planned events, and naturally, even more opportunities for engagement and collaboration will emerge as the year unfolds.
Remembering Syukri Hidayatullah
Syukri (right) makes a salute while sitting alongside a soldier at Sebatik International Port, a key border crossing located on Sebatik Island, which is divided between Indonesia and Malaysia.
While 2024 was a year of great progress, it also brought profound moments of loss. We honour the memory of our dear colleague, Syukri Hidayatullah, whose passing left a void within our community. Syukri’s dedication to border studies and his visionary work will continue to inspire us, and we are committed to posthumously publishing his impactful research.
Thank you for an incredible year
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As we embark on 2025, we carry forward the lessons, connections, and breakthroughs from the past year. Thank you to all our collaborators, partners, and colleagues who have supported the lab’s endeavours. We wish you the best of the New Year!