How to use data for programme implementation
RAY Thematic Seminar, 11-13 June, Bratislava
We had the pleasure to host 45 participants from Europe at our RAY Thematic Seminar ‘How to use research data for programme implementation’ from 11-13 June in Bratislava.
The main aim of the seminar was to explore and discuss how data and evidence-based research findings within the European youth programmes can be used for programme implementation purposes, including practical and strategic approaches.
Staff members from National Agencies responsible for the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps programmes, and beneficiaries implementing projects and activities within the youth programmes took part in the RAY event.
The RAY Thematic Seminar was co-hosted by the National Agencies of the European Youth Programmes from Slovakia (host) and Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland and Romania (Co-hosts). The RAY Network Coordination (at the Finnish National Agency) led the preparation process and the implementation of the seminar in cooperation with the RAY transnational research team.
Aims & objectives of the seminar
The following objectives have been set for the seminar:
>> Support National Agencies staff members responsible for the European youth programmes in making sense of evidence-based data
>> Suppprt beneficiaries implementing projects and activities within the European youth programmes in making sense of evidence-based data
>> Explore how to work with and use research by aquiring the development of data sense-making skills
>> Explore strategic approaches to working with data
>> Explore and provide practical tools to work with data
>> Exchange knowledge and skills on already existing practices
>> Contribute to the enhancement of the quality of projects implemented within the European youth programmes
>> Raise awareness of the open data portal, developed by the RAY Network
Programme
11 June started with the official opening and welcoming words by Mr Peter Papšo, Director of Youth Department, Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth, Slovakia. Furthermore, the RAY Network and its work was introduced and participants had the opportunity to exchange with each other. We also hosted a resource table including publications from relevant stakeholders conducting youth research in Europe.
On 12 June, Cristina Bacalso, researcher on adolescents, youth, policies & human rights, gave a thought-provoking keynote on ‘unpacking the data’ which set the frame for further discussions. During the day, participants engaged in workshops on different topics (using data for strategy development; practical tools to work with data; using data in projects).
On 13 June, participants had the chance to share their good practices. This was followed by a session introducing the currently developed RAY Open Data Portal and insights on data visualisation. The rapporteur of the event, Anna Lena Schiller, shared her insights during an inspirational wrap-up with ‘the courage to move forward’ and participants reflected on their own learning and actions to be taken.
WHAT’S NEXT
>> We will produce a short output document including insights from the seminar as well as practical tips. We will publish this on our website until mid-July.
>> If you are interested in the event as well as would like to get a sneak peek of the first outcomes, join our Youth Research Dialogue on 24 June, 14:30-15:15 CEST. More informatio and link available here!
Picture gallery below (pictures by Marek Hallon)
