Host the ECPR Methods School
Open the doors of your institution to an international audience, at a world-class training event
If your institution is considering hosting our renowned Methods School, this helpful guide is designed to get all your questions answered.
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Renowned training for scholars of all levels and career stages
We believe that good research requires solid methodology, and it is with this in mind that we established our very own School in Methods and Techniques.
Over the last decade, we've delivered 21 Methods School events and partnered with 6 member institutions around Europe, growing our Methods School into an industry-leading event renowned for accessible, expert-led training for scholars at all levels and career stages.
Accessible
Our comprehensive training programme is delivered across two events each year:
- Winter School – held in February or March
- Summer School – held in July or August
Each event is hosted within the walls of our member institutions, typically over a three-year term.
While bringing researchers together from all over the world, the Methods School events provide cutting edge methods training across the whole range of methodologies (and across different paradigms and approaches), which are particularly salient for research questions in political science and related disciplines.
The challenges faced globally in 2020 also saw the introduction of our Virtual Methods School delivering an impressive range of courses expertly designed to suit the digital environment.
Ever-growing
We have seen participation at our Methods School grow steadily from around 150 participants in 2006 to over 860 in 2021. We have evolved from an initial offering of 15, to more than 75 courses each year.
Expertly delivered
We work with an established, diverse pool of experienced social science methodologists who are not only skilled experts in their field but also top-tier pedagogues.
Inclusive
Our Methods School caters to the needs of students and early career scholars, including training in research methodologies, software and practices, as well as offering more intermediate courses for those looking to fine-tune their skills.
Our courses cover all stages of research at both macro and micro levels, quantitative and qualitative designs, and positivist and interpretative perspectives.
Our programmes are carefully curated to provide an ideal opportunity to select and combine courses to meet the demands of any project.
➤ Keen to know more? Browse our latest event highlights:
What's in it for you?
There are myriad benefits to hosting our Methods School, some of which you’ve probably never even considered.
Collaborate
Become part of a passionate community by making your mark on a thriving and continually developing event.
Promote
Enhance the global profile of your institution as an expert in the study and application of research methods in social sciences.
Grow
Forge invaluable links with academic and industry peers and strengthen relationships with your local community.
Showcase
Showcase your academic talent who will share best practices in methods teaching, on an international stage.
Inspire
Inspire the next generation of political scientists by helping us deliver essential training and nurture careers.
Empower
Your doctoral researchers can serve as teaching assistants and experience first-class training free of charge.
➤ Considering hosting but not an ECPR member yet?
Find out how your institution, and scholars within it, could benefit from joining.
What's hosting all about?
As the Methods School host, you will shine a spotlight on:
Your academic excellence
- Put forward teaching staff from your institution, including qualified Instructors or Teaching Assistants with applied research experience
- Provide the services of reliable English-speaking student helpers
Your department
- Provide well equipped and suitable spaces to deliver the Methods School, such as teaching rooms and labs, catering facilities and plenary event spaces
- Work with us in formulating and delivering a marketing and communications plan to showcase your institution
Your city
- Help us shape an engaging social programme
- Promote accommodation options for participants, including on-campus lodging, hotels and/or hostels, within easy reach of the event facilities.
Where we come in
We'll harness the expertise across our four dedicated teams to successfully deliver the Methods School, together with our host:
Our Events Team
- Lead the entire organisational process – from planning to delivery
- Work closely with the Academic Convenors, local organising team, and any other relevant parties
Our Communications Team
- Publicise the event to our global network via email, website and social media
- Design & produce promotional materials and supply merchandise
Our IT Team
- Look after the ECPR website, and its bespoke event management and registration systems
- Facilitate access to our Learning Management System, Canvas, if desired
- Ensure compliance with the GDPR regulations
Our Finance Team
- Oversee the event budget, fees and payments
- Ensure adherence to the VAT regulations
What's next
Think outside the box
Sure, we would love for our participants to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the host city, but did you know that you can also propose to host a virtual, or even hybrid event? With the successful introduction of our Virtual Methods School in 2020, we're equipped to confidently deliver our Methods School in any format.
Check your calendars
Is your institution able to host for three consecutive years, across a similar range of dates each year? When proposing dates, it's good to bear in mind any factors that may increase local costs for participants or otherwise hinder attendance.
Consider budgeting
Do you have access to cost-efficient solutions for the following?
- Local resources – rooms, labs, breakout spaces, audio-visual, WiFi, virtual meeting facilities
- Staffing – administrative, security, health & safety, cleaning, IT
Consider the legal details
Does your institution have the necessary insurances and legal provisions in place to host large-scale international events?
Ready to take the leap?
Get in touch with our team! If you're not quite sure, do still reach out – we're here to help.
Get in touch