Martina Schlapbach is a Programme Officer within the Global Programme Migration and Development at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Diaspora engagement is one focus of her current work. She helps manage operational projects and shape conceptual reflections with which SDC aims to contribute to a better understanding on how the diaspora as a development actor can be integrated into international cooperation. Prior to joining SDC, Martina conducted research and coordinated publications on the perception of migration, transnationalism, patterns of in- and exclusion, and religion in politics (University of Fribourg). She holds a master degree in history and religious studies (University of Fribourg) and in migration studies (University of Oxford).