Integrating Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) into Multidisciplinary Research Projects

Addressing complex societal and environmental challenges requires research approaches that integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines. However, many scientific projects still struggle to effectively incorporate Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) perspectives.

The ‘Integrating Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) into Multidisciplinary Research Projects‘ workshop focuses on how social sciences can be strategically integrated into multidisciplinary research projects.

GENERAL INFORMATIONS:

This workshop will take place at CIIMAR, on October 23rd, from 10am to 5pm.

The session can be held in English or Portuguese, depending on the preferences indicated at the registration.

Registration Fee:

• CIIMAR & IPMA members: free
• Standard: 100€ (CCMAR members have a 50% discount)

NOTE: The attendance certificate will be issued if the trainee attends at least 80% of the total course time.

If tickets are sold out, you can sign up for the waiting list (you will be notified in order of registration)

DESCRIPTION:

Objectives:

• Gain a basic understanding of the role of Social Sciences and Psychology in multidisciplinary scientific research projects;
• Become familiar with approaches to integrating SSH perspectives during the design of research proposals and project work packages;
• Be introduced to selected social science and behavioral research methods that can complement natural science and technological research;
• Understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and co-creation processes in research and innovation projects;
• Explore ways to enhance the societal and policy relevance of research projects.

Agenda:

1. The Role of Social Sciences in Multidisciplinary Research;
2. Integrating SSH in Research Project Design;
3. Introduction to Social Science and Behavioral Methods;
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Co-creation;
5. Considering Social and Policy Impact

Target:

It is particularly relevant for participants who:

• Are involved in multidisciplinary research projects;
• Plan to apply for national or international research funding (e.g., Horizon Europe, FCT, …);
• Are interested in integrating Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) into scientific research projects;
• Work in fields where stakeholder engagement, social impact, and policy relevance are important.

Instructor: Ana Rita Farias

Ana is a researcher at Universidade Lusófona and HEI-Lab, specializing in social psychology, behavioral science, and multidisciplinary research integration. Her work focuses on understanding how psychological and social factors shape decision-making in domains such as sustainability, technology adoption, and public policy.

She has extensive experience in leading and participating in international research projects, including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ initiatives, where she contributes to the design of Social Sciences work packages, stakeholder engagement strategies, and co-creation processes. Her research emphasizes the integration of behavioral insights into environmental and technological projects to enhance societal impact and policy relevance.