Ulaş Sunata is a distinguished Professor of Sociology at Bahçeşehir University and the founding director of the Bahçeşehir University Center of Migration and Urban Studies (BAUMUS). With over 25 years of experience in migration and urban studies, she has established herself as a leading expert in the field, renowned for her innovative research and contributions to both academic and policy discussions on migration. Professor Sunata holds a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and a master’s degree in Sociology from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara. She completed her Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Osnabrück, Germany, supported by DAAD and Hans-Böckler Foundation fellowships. Her academic journey was significantly shaped by her time at the Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS) in Germany, where she deepened her expertise in migration studies. As a prolific author, Professor Sunata has published books on highly-skilled labor migration, the Circassian diaspora, and the Balkans, alongside numerous articles in internationally recognized journals. Her research portfolio covers a diverse range of topics, including labor migration, brain drain, diaspora studies, and refugee challenges. She explores the complex intersections of migration, urban issues, and diaspora dynamics through the analytical lenses of class, gender, age, and rights, offering nuanced insights into their socio-political dimensions.
Prof. Dr. Sunata is the Primary Investigator of the “Post-Pandemic Migration Experiences, Work-Home Dynamics, and Domestic Relations” project, supported by TÜBİTAK, which examines the evolving dynamics of migration and domestic work in the post-pandemic era. She also serves as the Primary Coordinator of the “Migration, Diversity and Governance” (MiDiGo) Erasmus Mundus Design Measures Project, funded by the European Commission, which aims to design a joint master’s program on migration across European universities. In response to the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023, Prof. Dr. Sunata launched an Open Course on Earthquake Sociology, which attracted significant interest both nationally and internationally. This initiative reflects her commitment to addressing urgent societal challenges by bridging academic knowledge with public awareness. Beyond her academic contributions, Prof. Dr. Sunata is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and a frequent collaborator with NGOs and policy institutions. Her work continues to shape academic discourse and inform policy approaches to migration, making her a vital voice in contemporary sociology
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