Suzan Ilcan

Suzan Ilcan is a Professor and University Research Chair in the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo, with a cross-appointment to the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA). Holding a PhD from Carleton University, she previously held a Canada Research Chair (2002-2011) and now serves as the Special Advisor on Interdisciplinary Research at Waterloo.

• Research Focus: Critical migration and border studies, asylum/refugee policies, citizenship, and social justice.
• Recent Work: Examines how displaced populations navigate borders, resist containment, and rebuild communities across the MENA region, Europe, and Canada. Current SSHRC-funded project (2021-2025) analyzes borders and resettlement in Cyprus.

Scientific Awards:

• SSHRC Insight Grant (2015-2019)
• SSHRC Connection Grant (2017-2018)
• Arts Award for Excellence in Research (2020)
• Outstanding Performance Awards (2023, 2018, 2014)
• Canada Research Chair (2007-2011, 2002-2006)

Editorial Roles: Co-editor of Studies in Social Justice, editorial board member of Globalizations, and board member of the International Migration Research Centre (IMRC).