Investing in the future Michael Bright Senior Science Manager RESEARCH METHODS PROGRAMME

Research Methods Programme The Context: Councils Mission Solving the Problem RRB Strategy

Research Methods Programme Aim of the Programme: to develop qualitative and quantitative methods within the context of substantive research. It is also geared toward the effective dissemination of good practice through a range of related training activities.

Research Methods Programme Objectives: To support substantially focused research that poses interesting and novel methodological issues. To foster work that directly enhances methodological knowledge or improves and advances quantitative and qualitative methodological techniques To encourage and support the dissemination of good practice, including the enhancement of training programmes and training materials for the research community.

Research Methods Programme Objectives (cont) To establish fellowships linked to research funded through the Programme, or linked to existing centres of methodological excellence. Promote cross-national initiatives involving substantially focused and methodologically innovative research that shares a common focus, such as the analysis of comparable data, the use of novel analytical approaches, or evidence based investigations of policy problems.

Research Methods Programme Areas and Topics 1 Generating, Storing and Retrieving Data: –Research Design and Data Collection –Multi-Media Integration and Retrieval –Data Mining

Research Methods Programme Areas and Topics 2 Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis –Longitudinal and pathways Analysis –Network Analysis –Evidence Based Policy and Evaluation Methods –Mathematical Modelling and Simulation –Analysing Text, Discourse, Narrative and Visual Data –Integrating Multiple Methodologies

Research Methods Programme Areas and Topics 3 Enhancing Methodological Skills –Training Activities –Establishing Fellowships

Research Methods Programme Where we are at - Phase outline applications - 66 shortlisted. 63 Full Proposals considered - 89% alpha rated. 20 Projects Funded - 36% success rate for alpha rated proposals. 5 Training Awards, 2 Stand-Alone Fellowships and 13 Substantive Research Projects.

Research Methods Programme Plans for Phase II Approximately £700k remaining for Phase II Commissioning Panel Recommended: –That the second phase should focus on enhancing the training element of the programme. –That in order to ensure a coherent package the specification should be informed by an evaluation of the training opportunities that already exists and an identification of the most pressing need. –That the ESRC should be more proactive in commissioning training courses in Phase II to support training which is crucial for the development of the knowledge base.

Research Methods Programme Proposed Timetable for Phase II