CURRENT ACADEMIC POSITION
Postdoc Research Fellow within the European Union Project ERC “Hostile Environments: The Political Ecology of Migration and Border Violence - CUP J33C22002820006”. Research Focus: Overfishing and border violence in Senegal and The Gambia (Senegambia) April 2023 – March 2025, Grant agreement No ID: 101042338
PAST ACADEMIC POSITIONS & COLLABORATIONS
Postdoc Research Fellow within the H2020 Research Project ‘PERCEPTIONS’ (Department of Psychology, Alma Mater University of Bologna). Research Topic: Job competencies of first-line practitioners and border guards in Europe & Organisational and community interventions on migrants’ and officers’ misperception of job opportunities in Europe. August 2021 – February 2023, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Research Consultant in H2020 Research Project ‘PERCEPTIONS’ (Department of Psychology, Alma Mater University of Bologna). November 2020 - June 2021, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Research Consultant of the Laudato Si Film: “The Pope, the Environmental Crisis, and Frontline Leaders” (2022) August 2021-December 2021
Research Consultant for MIGRANTS COMING-APP. Ricerca-azione: formazione partecipata in agricoltura per l’integrazione (University of Salerno, Dipartimento di Science Giuridiche), April 2021- Decembre 2021
Research Assistant at the International University College of Turin, 2015 - date
EDUCATION & TRAININGS
XXXII PhD Program in “Human Rights: Evolution, Protection and Limits” (prof. Clelia Bartoli), University of Palermo joint with the PhD Program in “Sustainability and Peace in Post-globalisation Era” (prof. Ángeles Solanes Corella), the University of Valencia, 2016 – 2020. Dissertation Title: Contemporary Slavery: The Exploitation of Migrants in Italian Agriculture
MSc in Comparative Law, Economics and Finance (International University College of Turin, IUC) in 2016 with Distinction
LL.M in Comparative Law, Economics and Finance (International University College of Turin, IUC) in 2015
MSc in Political Science and International Relations (University of The Gambia) in 2013
Diploma in Professional Reporters Diploma Program (Gambia Press Union School of Journalism) in 2013
MAIN AREAS OF RESEARCH EXPERTISE, INTEREST & PASSION
Social and Human Rights Issues in Border Management of Illegalised Migration into Europe
Job Competencies of First-line Practitioners & Border Guards in Europe
West African Illegalised (“Back way”) Migration Patterns into Europe (Atlantic Ocean, Sahara Desert & the Central Mediterranean Sea)
Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing in Coastal Senegal and The Gambia
Climate Change and Forced Displacements in Coastal Senegal and The Gambia
Remittances and local development in Senegal and The Gambia
European & Italian Immigration Laws: Securitisation, Bordering and Surveillance Systems in Migration Control
Humanitarian Aid Organisations in migration
Migrants and Practitioners’ Syndemic Vulnerability & Biopsychosocial Health
EU-funded Information Awareness Campaigns Contrasting Illegalised Migration in CoO, CoT & CoD
Migrant Workers in the European Food Systems: Decent work & Exploitation in the Workplace
FIELD RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Run a European-wide online survey to gather insights on the needs of various first-line practitioner groups (such as border police, law enforcement agencies) with a focus on measures and obstacles in border management and migrants’ inclusion in the transit and host societies (H2020 Research Project ‘PERCEPTIONS’, 2020)
Carry out qualitative interviews with migrants and first-line practitioners to identify narratives, patterns of their distribution, and potential threats (H2020 Research Project ‘PERCEPTIONS’, 2021).
Implement interviews and focus groups with policymakers, border police, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations to identify needs to improve security of migrants and the EU (H2020 Research Project ‘PERCEPTIONS’, 2021).
Qualitative Interviews with migration stakeholders in Thiès, (Senegal), and Serekunda, (The Gambia), on the Patterns of Irregular Migration from Senegal and The Gambia & Impact of Remittances on their local development (PhD Project, January – June 2019).
Film documentary in The Gambia on SeneGambian irregular migrations (2019-2021, Forthcoming).
Ethnographic and participative research on the Living and Working Conditions of Senegambian migrants in the Agricultural Ghetto of Campobello di Mazara. 2019 (PhD Project, October 2018 – January 2019).
PUBLICATIONS
Jinkang, A., Cappi, V., Musarò, P. (2022). “Back Way” Migration to Europe: The Role of Journalists in Disseminating Information Campaigns in The Gambia, Journal of Borderlands Studies, DOI: 10.1080/08865655.2022.2156375 [https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2022.2156375]
Jinkang, A. (2016). The Gambia as A Collaborative Common. Journal of Interrupted Studies, Oxford, Printed Edition, Vol. 1 (pp. 32-37).
Lorenza, V., Cappi, V. and Jinkang, A., et, al. (2023). Interconnected temporalities in migration experiences, management and decision-making: the case of post-2015 Italy. (Forthcoming).
Cappi, V., Jinkang, A., Musarò. (2023). Contested strategy of migration governance: European-funded information campaigns in West Africa. (Forthcoming).
BOOK (CO-AUTHOR)
The PERCEPTIONS HANDBOOK: A guide to understanding migration narratives & addressing migration challenges [https://www.perceptions.eu/handbook/] . H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870.
BOOK CHAPTERS
Jinkang, A. (2021). Il Caporalato in Sicilia: (In)contro un nuovo schiavismo. In S. Greco & G. Tumminelli, Migrazioni in Sicilia 2020 (pp. 90-104). Mimesis Edizioni, Milano-Udine.
Jinkang, A. (2021). Joining the dots between historic slavery and contemporary forms of slavery. In N. Lo Calzo, Binidittu, (pp.17–20). L’Artiere, Bologna.
Jinkang, A. (2018). La Storia non detta: Genocidio postmoderno dei fragili migranti invisibili. In G. Avvallone, Sistema di accoglienza in Italia. Esperienze, resistenze, segregazione, (pp. 147-52). Orthotes Editrice, Salento.
Jinkang, A. (2023). Un approccio sindemico al contrasto del Caporalato. In S. Greco & G. Tumminelli, Migrazioni in Sicilia 2023 (Forthcoming). Mimesis Edizioni, Milano-Udine.
POLICY BRIEFS (H2020 PROJECT PERCEPTIONS)
Jinkang, A. (2022). Vulnerability and exploitation of migrant workers in Italian agriculture [https://www.perceptions.eu/vulnerabilita-e-sfruttamento-dei-lavoratori-migranti-nellagricoltura-italiana/] . PERCEPTIONS
Jinkang, A. (2022). Using remittances to boost household resilience in Senegal and The Gambia [https://www.perceptions.eu/using-remittances-to-boost-household-resilience-in-senegal-and-the-gambia/] . PERCEPTIONS
Jinkang, A. (2022). Practitioners’ perceptions for improving migration management and services [https://www.perceptions.eu/practitioners-perceptions-for-improving-migration-management-and-services/] . PERCEPTIONS
Jinkang, A. (2022). European-funded information campaigns contrasting irregular migration from The Gambia. [https://www.perceptions.eu/european-funded-information-campaigns-contrasting-irregular-migration-from-the-gambia/] PERCEPTIONS
Jinkang, A. (2022). Curbing Nigerian-Italian Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation [https://www.perceptions.eu/curbing-nigerian-italian-human-trafficking-for-sexual-exploitation/] . PERCEPTIONS
REPORTS IN RESEARCH PROJECTS (CO-AUTHOR)
Deliverable 5.7, & 5.12 PERCEPTIONS Handbook and Visualisations, (II Iterations) H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 5.2 & 5.11, Recommendation strategies, tools and guidelines for policymakers, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 3.6, Summary report on research with policy makers and CSOs 2, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 4.6 & 4.9 Social Media Insights Reports, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870Deliverable 3.3, Stakeholder Interviews summary report, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 3.4, Focus groups summary report, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870.
Deliverable 5.1, Multidimensional Approach Framework, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 5.5 & 5.10, Creative Awareness Materials, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 3.5, Multi-perspective Research Report, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 5.3, Good practice library, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 5. 4, Solution collection 1, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 5. 6 & 5.10, Experts, trainings and solutions matrix, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
Deliverable 2.7, Update on Baseline Report, H2020 Perceptions project, Grant agreement No ID: 833870
833870
TEACHING ACTIVITY, PUBLIC LECTURES, SEMINARS & LESSONS
Jinkang, A. (2022). Abuse at workplace: the case of SeneGambian workers in the agrofood sector in Italy. Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 5, December.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Contemporary Bordering: What’s the Condition of the Afro-European Today?International Public Seminar, The Department of Sociology, 20, April.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Perceptions and narratives of refugees – the media and beyond. School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 4 May.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Neglected links between historical and contemporary slavery of the African in Western Media and migration discourses. Social Media and Communication of Migration processes, the University of Sassari, 11 May.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Migrant workers and occupational sufferings: the case of SeneGambian workers in the agrofood sector in Italy. Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 29, November.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Migrant workers syndemic vulnerability. Legal Clinic on Migration, International University College of Turin, 2-3 July.
Jinkang, A. (2021). Caporalato: (In)contro un nuovo schiavismo. Seminars in Sociology of Migration, University of Palermo, 11 May, (2 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2021). The ‘back way’ phenomenon: awareness campaigns and the role of journalists in disseminating narratives about Europe in The Gambia. MA Course in Social Media and Communication of Migration Processes –Cycle of Seminars, University of Sassari, 30 April, (2 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2020). Contemporary slavery: The case of Senegambians in Campobello di Mazara (Trapani, Sicily). Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 9 November, (2 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2020). Made in Italy: TCNs, Caporalato, Criminalità organizzata e Agromafia. Seminari di Sociologia Della Devianza e Criminologia Applicata, University of Bologna, 10 November, (2 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2020). Caporalato e regolarizzazione dei migranti oggi in Sicilia. FAMI: “L’Italiano Per Comunicare, Lavorare, Participare”, ITASTRA, Palermo, 5 June, (2 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2020). Italian visit of Ms Hilal Elver, UN SPECIAL Rapporteur on the Right to Food. MoltiVolti, Palermo, 27 January, (3 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2019). National Seminar. L’impegno delle Università per i Rifugiati. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, La Sapienza, 31 October, (4 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2018). Cattiva Maestra Tradizione - Il Caporalato. Rete Italiana di Cultura Popolare, Turin, 4-6 October, (12 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2017). The Exploitation of Migrants in Italian Agricultural Fields. Centre of African Studies, Turin, 24 February (2 Hours).
Jinkang, A. (2017). Le migrazioni dall'Africa verso l'Italia: Il caso del Gambia. Seminari di Sociologia, Università di Salerno, 9 October.
PRESENTATIONS AT (INTERNATIONAL) CONFERENCES, ROUNDTABLES & WORKSHOPS
Jinkang, A. (2022). Prima conferenza annuale sul fenomeno migratorio. Assessorato Della Famiglia, Delle Politiche Sociali e Del Lavoro - Ufficio Speciale Immigrazione, 15 December .
Jinkang, A. (2022). Food, People and the City: Comparative Perspectives. MAS, Antwerp, 21-23 September 2022.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Farm to Fork EU Agenda -From Concept to Practical Solution. Final event on FASS Food EU project (workshop), 26th September.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Co-designing an inclusive Europe. Migrations and migrants in the EU: changing narratives – modifying practices – influencing policies. EU-funded research projects, Brussels, 1 March.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Perceptions and narratives of refugees – the media and beyond. The University of Melbourne, 4 May.
Jinkang, A. (2022). Reimagining mobilities – Border Crossings. The Department of Sociology, University of Bologna, 20 April.
Jinkang, A (2022). The Week of Cultural Celebration. Department of Political Science, University of Palermo, 3 May, 2022.
Jinkang, A., Cappi, V., Musarò, P. (2021). The role of Gambian journalists in shaping narratives about Europe: agenda, dissemination channels and communication strategies. “Migrant Belongings: Digital Practices and the Everyday”, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, 23 April.
Jinkang, A,. Cappi, V., Musarò, P. (2021). The ‘back way’ phenomenon: Awareness Campaigns and the role of journalists in disseminating narratives about Europe in The Gambia. International Workshop: “What do we say to migrants throughout their journey?”, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 22 April.
Jinkang, A., Cappi, V., Musarò, P. (2021). (2021). The role of local journalists in shaping narratives about Europe in The Gambia: agenda, dissemination channels and communication strategies. International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion (IMISCOE) Spring Conference: “Messaging Migration and Mobility”. Oxford University, 23 March.
Jinkang, A. (2021). Contemporary politics of migration and socioecological change in Europe. International PhD School on Migration and Socioecological Change. Universitiet Utrecht, The Netherlands, 12 March.
Jinkang, A. (2020). Migrant workers’ living and working conditions in Sicily. “Migrant Workers Organising and Resisting During and After Covid-19”, University of Antwerp (Institute of Development Policy), University of Bristol (Law School), the Canada Caribbean Institute, University of West Indies & Transnational Institute (TNI), 3 July.
Jinkang, A. (2018). Migrations from Africa: Senegalese and Gambian Remittances. “Estructura y Agencia de las Migraciones Africanas Contemporânes en Europa”, Economia, Geografia y Demografia, organised by Consejo Superior de Investigaciones (CSIC), Madrid, Spain, 18 April.
Jinkang, A. (2015). From sinking boats to ivory towers: exploring the connections between humanitarian migrationsand skilled migration. “Unravelling the Talent Tale: Skilled Migration Policies between National Images, Membership Bonds and Economic Priorities”. University of Sheffield, School of Law, United Kingdom, 15 September.
Jinkang, A (2021). Gambia Diaspora Conference on Future Strategies and Solutions. The Gambia Diaspora Directorate, 10 November.
PHD DISSERTATION
Jinkang, A. (2020). Contemporary Slavery: The Exploitation of Migrants in Italain Agriculture [https://roderic.uv.es/bitstream/handle/10550/75415/PHD%20THESIS%20ALAGIE%20JINKANG%2018-06-2020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.] [Doctoral dissertation], University of Palermo and University of Valencia.
SKILLS IN RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Excellent interdisciplinary research skills and critical thinking
Excellent intercultural communication skills in facilitation and conduction of individual and focus group interviews
High quality and informative reporting on qualitative data
Excellent skills in writing policy briefs
Effective organisation, presentation and evaluation of qualitative data
Clear and comprehensive synthesis of information in migration reporting
High level of autonomy as well as productivity in teamwork
Ability to work under stress and limited resources in West Africa
Ability to produce visual images, video documentaries and podcasts
Excellent ability to organise and conduct workshops, meetings and public presentations
EXPERIENCE IN HUMANITARIAN AID & CIVIC ORGANISATIONS
Foundering member and Secretary General of Gambian-Italian Association of Students and Researchers(GIASR)
Ikenga, Voice of the World - Circolo ARCI, Palermo (2019 –2021): Intercultural mediation, organisation of social and intercultural events, job counselling, legal and socioeconomic information service to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants
Malagen Media House, The Gambia (2020-Present): Reporting on Gambian diaspora’ living and working conditions in Italy.
Center of African Studies, Turin. (2015-2018). Research collaboration on African diaspora in Europe and the America
Research Consultant at The International University College of Turin (IUC)
Clinical Research Assistant of International University College’s Human Rights & Migration Clinic (Turin), 2015 – 2019
LANGUAGES
English (C2); Italian (C2); Wolof (C1), Mandinka (Mother tongue); Fula (A2); Jahanka (C1); French (A1), Bambara (B1), Nigerian Pidgin (B2)
COMPUTER AND DIGITAL SKILLS
Microsoft Office; b) Project management tools (Trello, Slack, Asana), c) Dropbox, Google Suite, d) Software for analysis of qualitative data (NVIVO, Qualtrics) e) Software for data visualisation (Tableau, Traquetta)
HONOURS
Reviewer for the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Routledge [applewebdata://71100241-14F8-4DFC-BD88-742CAD9260A1/%20/corporate/about-us]
Main promoter of the H2020 PERCEPTIONS 3-D Crystal Search Engine
Secretary General of The Gambian-Italian Association of Students and Researchers (present)
Gambian Diaspora Ambassador and Consultant of the Diaspora Directorate (The GMB)
PhD dissertation nominated for 2020 Giulio Regeni Prize
Reporter for migrant workers exploitation in Sicily (Pedro Arrupe, Palermo)
Italian correspondent for the Standard Newspaper (The Gambia)
