Towards 2020 – Challenges for the Social Science Community Workshop Panel 3: Future capability and capacity Paula White MA Applied, Social Science Research, Victoria University of Wellington Advisor, Research and Analysis, Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mätauranga Matua

Overview Reflections about positive and not-so-positive exepriences as an ‘emerging’ researcher in last 5 years Personal goals as a social science researcher for next 5 – 10 years What would support me to meet those goals Vision for the next generation social of scientists in Aotearoa New Zealand Some final thoughts

Successes Undertaking a Masters programme in social science research with a strong applied component  Government and community sector practicums  Active learning and “getting one’s hands dirty” with applied research Opportunitites for enagaging with other researchers through eg. conferences, ASSR workshops  Establishing networks, making connections, learning from others’ experiences and expertise

Challenges Becoming aware of own skill and knowledge gaps as a researcher through job-seeking  Employers want readiness in both qualitiative and quantitaive methodology and practice Different standards of research skill and practice amongst social science researchers  Difficulty of influencing better practice as an emerging researcher Unresolved issues around the ethics and practice of cross-cultural research  Overcoming the legacy of past unethical practice and dialogue to move from diversity to cohesion

Personal goals Developing expertise in using/understanding emergent and increasingly relevant methodological knowledge and skills  Mixed methods research  Kaupapa Mäori research  Best practice research with Pacific peoples Dialogue with new and experienced researchers Addressing challenge of designing research to meet information needs for increasingly complex society

Supports? Financial resources are important  sponsoring ongoing knowledge creation and sharing through eg. employment, BRCSS, SPEAR Formal/informal networks, workshops, seminars, mentoring  More formalised mentoring as should not fall entirely on shoulders of those experienced researchers who are passionate and willing

Next generation Availability of education and training opportunities to meet capacity challenges  Under- and postgraduate level in both theory and applied research practice Quality training that prepares/supports graduates to meet capability challenges  Relevant in context of current and likely future methodological and societal issues Researchers sharing their ‘pearls of wisdom’ Discussion around progressive ideas/alternative research design strategies, eg. Flyvbjerg, Wolf

Next generation contd. References  Bent Flyvbjerg, Making Social Science Matter: Why social inquiry fails and how it can succeed again, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001  Amanda Wolf, ‘Research Strategies for Policy Relevance’, Social Policy Journal, Issue 23, pp. 65 – 85, 2004

Vision Social science research ‘that matters’ is likely to attract and be attractive to emerging researchers Contribution of social science research in future increasingly valued and respected  Political awareness of importance of this area of activity is ‘now’ and should be acted upon Relevant social research provides a path to positively influence our own futures Beyond philosophical/practical issues around capacity and capability, its about…  VISION AND LEADERSHIP – do you have it?

Questions?