Call for applications: Careful, Participatory and Emancipatory Research Methods – ‘spring school’
Applications are invited to take part in a four-day in-person workshop or ‘spring school’ in St Andrews on 12-15 May 2025, on the theme “Critical Sustainability Research: Careful, Participatory, and Emancipatory Research Methods”.
We are very excited to be running this event in collaboration with our good colleagues at the University of Bonn’s Centre for Development Research. PD Dr Eva Youkhana, Dr Alejandro Mora Motta and Dr Silke Tönsjost, together with a group of early career researchers from Bonn, will be joining a team from St Andrews to deliver a mixed programme of seminars, case study discussions, and practical research design sessions in and around St Andrews over the course of the four days.
The key questions that we aim to tackle are:
- What do we mean by ‘careful’ research methods?
- How can research practices live up to principles of sustainability?
- How can participatory, emancipatory, and non-extractive methods transform research practice?
Who can apply?
The Spring School programme is open to doctoral students and early career researchers at the University of St Andrews, from any discipline, who are interested in sustainability, innovative research methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This is an opportunity to be part of a cohort of researchers shaping the future of research; to exchange ideas, share experiences, analyse challenges, and co-create new frameworks to make our research more meaningful and as ethically sound as possible.
Attendance is free of charge.
Programme outline
- Monday 12 May 2025: Introductions; case studies of successful and not-so-successful research experiences from staff; planning for day 2
- Tuesday: Research design in practice: undertaking ‘transect walks’ around St Andrews
- Wednesday: Exploring the literature on participatory, emancipatory and non-extractive research methods
- Thursday: Co-designing guidance/learning materials on considerations for careful research design.
You will be asked to do a small amount of advance preparation. The four-day, in-person workshop will be followed up by an online seminar to allow for reflection and consolidation. A second in-person workshop, developing the themes explored here, will be held in 2026 in Bonn; you may attend one or both.
For more information, please email Dr Ian Lawson ([email protected]) or Dr Louise Reid ([email protected]).
How to apply
We are keen to extend this opportunity to PGRs and ECRs from a wide range of disciplines, but space is limited. To apply, please email [email protected] with a short paragraph (100-200 words) explaining why you would like to take part. Deadline: 21 March 2025.