Leila Zandi-Navgran is an Iranian demographer specializing in migration, identity, and integration studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Demography from Yazd University and is currently pursuing postdoctoral research in the same field at the University of Tehran. With a strong academic background, she focuses on Afghan migrant experiences in Iran, contributing extensively through publications in renowned journals. Leila has presented her work at international conferences and maintains active collaborations in migration and intercultural research. Her scholarly contributions reflect a deep commitment to understanding demographic transitions and migrant integration processes in the Iranian context and beyond.
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Leila Zandi-Navgran began her academic journey in Demography with a Master’s degree from Shiraz University (2007–2009), followed by a Ph.D. at Yazd University (2018–2023), where she conducted significant research on migrant identity and integration. In 2024, she commenced a postdoctoral program at the University of Tehran, continuing her work in population studies. Her educational path has been strongly rooted in demographic theory and qualitative methodologies, enabling her to deeply explore migration-related issues in Iranian society. This progressive academic trajectory reflects her ongoing dedication to social research and population development.
💼 Experience
Leila Zandi-Navgran has accumulated rich experience as a researcher and academic, specializing in the fields of migration, demographic behavior, and intercultural integration. Her doctoral and postdoctoral studies are deeply embedded in empirical research on Afghan migrants in Iran. She has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects and co-authored studies addressing integration, identity, education in displacement, and labor market challenges. Leila actively participates in international academic discourse, presenting at key population and migration conferences. Her research experience spans qualitative, mixed-methods, and grounded theory approaches, underpinning her contributions to demographic research in Iranian and global contexts.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Leila Zandi-Navgran has received academic recognition for her insightful research on Afghan migrant experiences and social integration. She has presented award-nominated papers at global conferences, including the 30th International Population Conference in Australia (2025) and the International Symposium on Migration in China. Her contributions to high-impact journals have established her as a leading voice in intercultural and demographic research in Iran. She is also acknowledged for her role as a corresponding author in collaborative publications, reflecting scholarly merit in social science research. Her research has earned commendation for advancing theoretical and practical understandings of migration.
🔬 Research Focus
Leila Zandi-Navgran’s research centers on migration studies, particularly the lived experiences of Afghan migrants in Iran. Her scholarly work explores themes like emotional well-being, integration policies, cultural identity, social distance, labor market participation, and intergenerational dynamics. Using grounded theory and qualitative methods, she investigates migrant narratives to understand their adaptation and resilience. Leila’s recent research also examines education under displacement and the socio-political dimensions of refugee life. Her focus lies in bridging policy and lived realities to promote inclusive integration and intercultural dialogue through evidence-based demographic research.
📝 Conclusion
Dr. Leila Zandi-Navgran is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the field of demography, migration studies, and integration research. Her robust portfolio of publications, dedication to exploring socially critical issues, and consistent academic growth position her as a thought leader in migration and social integration research. Her contributions help illuminate the lived realities of Afghan migrants in Iran and offer valuable frameworks for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. With enhanced international collaboration and visibility, she is well on the path to becoming an influential voice in global demographic research. She is strongly recommended for recognition through this award.
Publication
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Exploring education in displacement: a qualitative inquiry of challenges and experiences of Afghan migrants in Iran
2025 | Hossein Afrasiabi, Leila Zandy
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Integration of Afghan Immigrants in Iran: A Multi-Grounded Theory Study
2024 | Leila Zandi-Navgran, Abbas Askari-Nodoushan, Hossein Afrasiabi