School of Geography - Faculty of Environment

PROJECTS & WORK IN PROGRESS

Current Projects 

• ESRC funded research on ‘Precarious lives: asylum seekers and refugees’ experiences of forced labour.’ Principle Investigator Louise Waite; Co-Investigators Stuart Hodkinson (University of Leeds) and Peter Dwyer (University of Salford). This research project aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of forced labour among asylum seekers and refugees based in England.
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation funded research to write a policy paper entitled ‘Status matters: forced labour and UK immigration policy’. Principle Investigators Louise Waite (University of Leeds) and Peter Dwyer (University of Salford); Co-Investigators Hannah Lewis (Freelance Researcher) and Lisa Scullion (University of Salford).
• North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership funded research on ‘Negotiating transition: Refugee experiences in Greater Manchester.’ Co-researchers Ruth Healey (University of Chester) and Jonathan Darling (University of Manchester).

Previous Projects 

• African migrants to Britain and France - British Academy Research Development Award. Principle investigator J.Cook (Leeds Social Science Institute, Leeds); co-investigator L.Waite (Geography, Leeds). This project compared the lived experiences of African migrants resident in Britain and France. The research focused on how different colonial histories and policies of migration shape the experiences and lives of African migrants. It examined the impact of migration and place upon the transmission of family practices, culture and tradition across generations, alongside the evolution of intergenerational relationships post-migration.
• Leeds City Council funded research on 'New Migrant Communities in Leeds'. Co-researchers Joe Cook (Leeds Social Science Institute) and Prof Peter Dwyer (Nottingham Trent University). This qualititative research focused on the needs, experiences and expectations of A10 new migrant populations resident in Leeds, and their relationship with wider established host communities.
• DFID-funded COMDIS (Communicable Diseases) project entitled ‘Increasing the effectiveness of Straight Talk Foundation Uganda programmes through qualitative research, especially in relation to vulnerable young women.’ In collaboration with Nuffield Institute of Health and Development, University of Leeds.