Researchers build skills and connections at Methods@91直播 Summer School
Researchers from across the world came together for the Methods@91直播 2026 Summer School, a week of hands-on courses designed to strengthen qualitative and quantitative research skills, share expertise and build connections.
The annual Methods@91直播 Summer School returned last week, bringing researchers together to meet and connect with one another while exchanging ideas and gaining new social science and humanities methods skills. Delegates travelled from across the world to attend the School, coming from Germany, Latvia, Denmark, Algeria, Brazil, Spain, USA, Norway and the Netherlands.
Methods@91直播 is an initiative funded by the University of Manchester鈥檚 Faculty of Humanities, showcasing the University鈥檚 strength in research methods across the social sciences. This year鈥檚 Summer School gave delegates the chance to learn from leading experts, explore innovative approaches and become part of a supportive research community that extends well beyond the week.
Attendees had the opportunity to join one of four specialised courses 鈥� Using NVivo for Qualitative and Mixed-methods Analysis, Creative Approaches to Qualitative Research, Digital Methods, or Qualitative Interviewing. Course content was developed based on expertise and approaches from across the University in a range of methodological areas.
During the event, delegates shared positive feedback on the Summer School, appreciating the support given to them by facilitators. One student commented:
I鈥檓 on the course learning about NVivo software. I come from a qualitative background and have been trying to learn it myself, but have been drifting in the dark without guidance 鈥� it isn鈥檛 an easy software to learn natively. At first, I felt a bit lost, but after coming to the School I鈥檝e begun to see that people are establishing the grounds for future work.
I feel more confident and the course is so convincing and compelling. Our teacher has been really mindful and understanding of our frustrations and how we can progress in our learning. Coming here has been an amazing decision that I won鈥檛 regret.
Another attendee, who took part in the Creative Approaches to Qualitative Research course, said:
I came in feeling I was going to be an expert but am leaving thinking I am going to be a student and co-creator of these methods 鈥� absolutely adventurous and I can鈥檛 wait for what lies ahead.
Delegates were also invited to take part in social activities throughout the week, including a walking tour around 91直播, helping them build connections and continue conversations outside the course sessions.
Students came away from the week feeling inspired and invigorated, with another student noting:
I鈥檝e found it a really exciting week! I came for research purposes and what I could learn in terms of my own research, but it鈥檚 been so nice to be surrounded by everyone else and their projects. I鈥檝e been inspired by what other people are doing and their stories, and it鈥檚 been a really thoughtful week to step into everyone鈥檚 bubbles and learn from each other.
I go to the University of Manchester, but it鈥檚 so nice to meet students from all corners of the world. My project is about communities, so I鈥檓 always interested in what鈥檚 happening in other communities and to learn from others.
Dr 艁ukasz Szulc, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Culture and course lead for Digital Methods, also shared his reflections on the week:
What makes this summer school truly special is the diversity of the people it brings together. We have participants joining us from all over the world, spanning various academic fields, industries and experience levels. This creates a unique environment where everyone not only develops new digital methods skills but also learns from each other's experiences, builds lasting professional relationships and gains fresh perspectives that extend well beyond the classroom.
To find out more about the Summer School and the courses that were on offer, visit the Schools and courses section of the .