Navigating Aspirations: The intersectionality between the Migration of Science Graduates, and its Impact on Science Education in Sri Lanka and on Indivuduals

Navigating Aspirations: The Intersectionality between the Migration of Science Graduates and Its Impact on Science Education in Sri Lanka and on Individuals Submitted to the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Population Dynamics, Gender, Reproductive Health, Rights and Social Policy at the University of Colombo, for a reserch call funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This multidisciplinary proposal proposes to examine the motivations, strategies, and impacts of science graduate migration on Sri Lanka's education system and individual aspirations. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates STEM migration patterns across selected Sri Lankan universities and evaluates its implications for brain drain and science education policies. The proposal proposes to employ surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, involving students, migrants, and consultants, and seeks to generate actionable insights through comprehensive analysis. The proposal outcomes aims to inform policymakers, support educational institutions, and engage the community through targeted dissemination strategies, including stakeholder meetings and media outreach.