Join social researchers from the Scottish Government’s Office of the Chief Researcher (OCR) to learn more about applied social research outside of academia. This three-hour session will give students the opportunity to apply their PhD research skills to the design of a research project that addresses policy-relevant scenarios. This training will encourage students to think beyond their research as an individual and consider how researchers can combine their strengths to deliver high quality research. Engaging with the session will help students understand the reality of the journey from PhD student to social researcher working on applied (policy-relevant) projects.
Learning outcomes
The session aims to provide high quality training in applied social research. The training will help participants develop their skills in research design to address a research question. Students will practice identifying appropriate methodologies and develop an understanding of the considerations required in resourcing a project with multiple experts to develop their skills as research managers and leaders. By engaging with this training, students will gain an understanding of the design and delivery of applied research with policy-relevant impact.
Who is this training for?
This training is open to all social science PhD students registered at Scottish universities, regardless of funding status. The training would best suit a PhD student who is in their second year of PhD plus. The skills developed will have applications in academic research as well as for those who plan to undertake a career in applied social research outside academia.
Details
This training will take place in person at:
Practice Suite 1.12, 1st Floor, Chrystal MacMillan Building, 15A George Square, The University of Edinburgh, EH8 9LD.
The session will be hands on and interactive with students working together in small groups to develop a research question, and plan a research project to address their given policy-relevant scenario. The final part of the session will be a pitch to the OCR researchers who will provide feedback for participants.