The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford provides impartial, independent, authoritative, evidence-based analysis of data on migration and migrants in the UK to inform media, public and policy debates.
The Migration Observatory receives funding primarily from academic research grants and charitable foundations.
*(All gifts are processed for us by Oxford University via the Oxford University Development Trust.)
During FY2025-6, the Migration Observatory’s work has been supported by grants from:
- John Armitage Charitable Trust
- Barrow Cadbury Trust
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
- Gatsby Foundation
- Nuffield Foundation
- Paul Hamlyn Foundation
- Vanneck Charitable Trust
In addition to these grants, the Observatory participates in research contracts and consultancy agreements through Oxford University Innovation.
In the past, we have also received grants from:
- abdrn Financial Fairness Trust
- ESRC UK in a Changing Europe Initiative
- Horizon Europe
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
- Oak Foundation
- Trust for London
- Transition Advice Fund
- University of Oxford John Fell Fund
Academic integrity and impartiality
The Migration Observatory is completely impartial. It promotes no political position, and its analysis aims to enrich the public debate on migration regardless of the views of its users. As a result, it is important that the content of the Migration Observatory’s research is determined solely by its staff with the support of its Expert Advisory Board and cannot be influenced by its financial supporters.
The objectivity and quality of the Migration Observatory’s research is assessed by its Expert Advisory Board. It also follows rigorous peer-review processes to ensure its work is accurate and balanced.
