RAY Thematic Seminar
From Insight to Impact: Making Data Work for Youth Programmes and beyond
Out now: From Insight to Impact: Making Data Work for Youth Programmes and beyond – the outcome document from the RAY Thematic Seminar 2025!
>> Want do dive deeper? The document can be found HERE.
This document is for everyone who wants to turn research into action: foremost, for colleagues from National Agencies and beneficiaries within the European youth programmes, but also researchers and the wider youth research and practice community. Its aim is to share the knowledge that was gathered; to serve as a reminder of all the practical input that was given; and above all, to help take one step further in integrating data and evidence into youth projects, strategies, and programmes. This report is a collection of memorable moments, shared insights, smart questions, and the energy of learning together (and should be read in this light). It reflects on knowledge and opinions of individuals and is a summary and not a scientific document.
IN A NUTSHELL (what to expect):
Key Themes: Throughout the seminar, the following key themes began to emerge. Threads woven through presentations, workshops, informal conversations, and reflections shared among participants: Creating Space, The Importance of Community, The Power of Data, The Politics of Data, The Value of Data, A Treasure Chest of Tools
From Data to Direction: The seminar challenged participants to rethink data as more than just a tool for accountability. A central theme was the strategic potential of data—to inform choices, shape narratives, and guide the future of youth work. Keynote speaker Cristina Bacalso introduced five types of data: “user, engagement, feedback, outcomes, and impact” and urged participants to see data as building blocks for knowledge, not as absolute truths. “What is the right choice to make? Evidence alone cannot tell us that,” she said. “Ask yourselves the bigger questions. What kind of society do we want?”
Tool Time – Try, Test, Tinker: Following discussions on strategy and structure, the seminar shifted into a hands-on phase, where participants engaged with practical tools and real world approaches to data collection, analysis, and application. Find two toolkits and a lot of useful links in the document!
Practices That Inspire: Good practices presented during the seminar were as diverse as their contexts—spanning digital tools, performing arts, policy research, internal processes, and organisational strategy. And yet, across sectors and countries, several shared principles emerged that point the way forward for data-informed youth work.
Resources & Links: presentations from the seminar, a vast tool list (data tools treasue chest) as well as research reports, factsheet and other resources from RAY and other actors within the European youth research, youth work/policy field and programme support.
CONTEXT
>> The RAY Thematic Seminar took place in Bratislava from 11-13 June 2025 and brought together 45 participants: staff members from National Agencies responsible for the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps and beneficiaries implementing projects and activities within these programmes. The 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, including practical and strategic approaches.
>> For more information about the Thematic Seminar, please refer to the designated website article.