Call for applications: Hard-to-Reach Applied Research Methods with Hidden, Marginal and Excluded Populations

Focusing on Hard-to-Reach populations, the course provides an introduction to research methods in conducting research, both qualitative and quantitative, on marginal, hidden and excluded population.

Aimed to promote action-oriented research, the course introduces the main theories and research approaches on exclusion and marginalization using different frameworks and techniques. It addresses the dangers associate with the lack of systematic use of solid research methodology, data collection and analysis in the formulation and evaluation of policies and programs.

The course will provide tools to address key issues such as the lack of known sampling frame, the difficulties in reaching the target group; the concepts of impact, attribution and contribution; and the political dimension of research findings.

The course explores topics such as: estimation and sampling techniques; participatory research; evidence-based policy versus policy-based evidence; innovation, crowdsourcing and the use of technology; the art of combining qualitative and quantitative methods; and ethical considerations arising when conducting research with hidden and marginalized populations.

Details:

6th Residential Course

Applied Research Methods with Hidden, Marginal and Excluded Populations”

University of Oxford, Nuffield College
18 –  21 August 2025

Schedule: One week, full time course
Class times: 9:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:30

Provisional Structure:

This intensive course is structured in morning and afternoon sessions. The course brings together academics (PhD and masters students) and practitioners (from NGOs, UN and International Organizations), creating a unique opportunity for experience sharing and methodological cross-fertilization. Participants will be encouraged to present their past/ongoing/future work to be used and discussed during the course. Combining both taught and practical sessions, the main emphasis of the course is on acquiring practical skills in doing research.

Details and registration:

https://hard2reachresearch.org/h2r-course/