Research projects are increasingly interdisciplinary enterprises, often with a strong emphasis on stakeholder participation and engagement. As a result, natural scientists are being called upon to engage with a broader set of scientific and societal stakeholders and operate in new and challenging environments. In this changing professional context, gaining appropriate research skills is becoming a necessity.
What this means in practice is finding new ways to collaborate, communicate, and engage with stakeholders (in our case, fishers), managers and policy-makers to broaden the knowledge base and increase the policy relevance of our work. As a result, there is a need for targeted training in social science research methods for natural scientists.
By way of professional introduction to the topic, this course will provide 'hands-on' guidance on the basics required to navigate this challenging landscape. Employing a participant-led "learning by doing" approach, the facilitators will guide the participants step by step through the basics of social science methods such as interviewing, participant observation, and mapping, in a supportive and interactive process designed to develop confidence and capacities.
Background to the topic, such as how social scientists understand and study the
world, and the underpinning social science theory, will also be discussed where appropriate. The course is designed to be challenging, flexible, and fun, and includes fieldwork in a fishing port.
Objective
Through gaining new skills, participants will be better able to work effectively with stakeholders in (cooperative) research projects, as well as have a better appreciation of the strengths and application of the social sciences in fisheries research.
Level
It is assumed that scientists have a natural science background, have/will have experience working in cooperative research projects, are working with stakeholders, or are otherwise interested in learning more about social science methods in fisheries science. No knowledge of social science is required.
Registration closes on 10 February 2025 at 23:59.
