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There are more people displaced that at any time since the Second World War. State fragility, conflict, and climate change create a growing refugee challenge. Old institutions are no longer fit for purpose, and a rethink is urgently needed. This lecture reimagines an approach that can offer sustainable assistance at scale based on recognising the complementary role of states, markets, and society - including an important role for business and entrepreneurship.

Alexander Betts is Professor of Forced Migration and International Affairs, and Director of the Refugee Studies Centre. He is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a TED speaker, and co-author of the forthcoming Refuge: Transforming a Broken Refugee System (with Paul Collier, Penguin and Oxford Univerity Press).

Register for free here >>

Annual Elizabeth Colson Lecture

The Annual Elizabeth Colson Lecture is held in Trinity term. It is named after Professor Elizabeth Colson, a renowned anthropologist.

Annual Harrell-Bond Lecture

The Annual Harrell-Bond Lecture is named in honour of Dr Barbara Harrell-Bond, the founding Director of the Refugee Studies Centre. It is held each year in Michaelmas term.

Public Seminar Series

Each term the RSC holds a series of public seminars, held on Wednesday evenings at Queen Elizabeth House. Click here for details of forthcoming seminars.

Connect with us

To keep up to date with our events and activities, sign up for email alerts from the RSC and Forced Migration Review, and connect with us on social media.

Forthcoming events

Supply Chain Justice: The Logistics of British Border Control

Wednesday, 19 February 2025, 5pm to 6pm @ Seminar Room 1, Oxford Department of International Development, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB

Scattered: The making and unmaking of a refugee. A conversation with Aamna Mohdin

Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 5pm to 6pm @ Seminar Room 1, Oxford Department of International Development, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB

The Politics of Immigration and the Politics of Identity | Annual Harrell-Bond Lecture 2025

Wednesday, 05 March 2025, 5.15pm to 6.15pm @ Grove Theatre, Magdalen College, Oxford. Please use Octagon Gate entrance, located on Longwall Street side entrance to Magdalen College

Book Launch and Panel Event | Social Science: A Very Short Introduction

Thursday, 06 March 2025, 5pm to 6pm @ Harold Lee Room, Pembroke College, Pembroke Square St Aldates Oxford OX1 1DW

Book talk: The Home I Worked to Make: Voices from the New Syrian Diaspora

Tuesday, 11 March 2025, 5pm to 6pm @ Investcorp Lecture Theatre, St Anthony’s College, 62 Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6JF

'Wicked' Challenges in Migration Management: Weaponization, Politicization, and Hostile Influence Operations

Wednesday, 12 March 2025, 5pm to 6pm @ Seminar Room 1, Oxford Department of International Development, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB