Lena Imeraj

Lena Imeraj is a postdoctoral researcher at the Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research and the Brussels Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Migration and Minorities at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). She holds a PhD in Geography from VUB (2019) and has conducted extensive research on urban segregation, demographic processes, and spatial inequalities. Her work focuses on ethnic residential segregation, educational attainment disparities, and the intersection of migration with urban development.

• University: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• Department: Department of Geography
• Affiliations: Cosmopolis Centre, Brussels Migration Research Centre

Her research interests span urban geography, sociology of space, and migration studies. Key themes include:

• Ethnic segregation dynamics in Brussels and Belgium
• Residential mobility and integration of young adults
• Gender dimensions of urban spaces
• Impact of short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) on urban housing markets

Awards: Received the Black Europe in Brussels grant (€21,500) in 2021.

Grants and Projects: Active in multiple funded projects, including:

• Segregation through Space and Life (2024–2027)
• Sustainable Rural Communities (2023–2027)
• ShortRentBrussels (2019–2023)

Media Engagement: Regular contributor to public debates on urban policy, migration, and academic ethics in Belgium.