Renowned Indian Demographer Irudaya Rajan Visits the Pilar Institute; Zagreb, 28/10/2026
On 28 October 2026, the Pilar Institute welcomed Professor S. Irudaya Rajan, one of the world’s leading experts in demography and migration and the founder and Chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD), based in the Indian state of Kerala. Professor Rajan has four decades of research experience in migration studies and is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the internationally recognised academic journal Migration and Development
During his visit, Professor Rajan attended a working meeting with the Institute’s Director, Professor Željko Holjevac, PhD, Caroline Hornstein-Tomić, PhD, Marko Mustapić, PhD, Dino Vukušić, PhD, Vanja Dergić, PhD, Anja Budimir Župić and Andrej Ivan Nuredinović, PhD. The meeting brought together researchers involved in the international research projects WE-ID and DELMIG. Discussions focused on current migration and demographic challenges, while also providing an opportunity to present the research activities of both projects and explore possibilities for future academic collaboration. Particular attention was given to the possibility of establishing a formal cooperation agreement between the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar and the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD).
As part of his visit, Professor Rajan also delivered a special lecture during a formal dinner organised on the eve of the international conference A New Migration Space? Transnational Perspectives on Labour Migration from Asia to Central and Eastern Europe, held in Zagreb on 29 October 2026.
In a more informal setting, Professor Rajan shared insights and experiences gained over forty years of research into migration processes. His audience included distinguished scholars and migration experts, representatives of the Embassies of the Philippines, India and Germany, as well as representatives of international foundations and universities. His talk provided an opportunity to reflect on changing migration patterns and contemporary challenges in international migration.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging knowledge and experience, strengthening international academic networks and exploring new avenues for cooperation in migration and demographic research.
