More-than-human Methods Workshop - Room 3.006
Dr Catherine Oliver, Lancaster University
Researchers across the social sciences are increasingly interested in ways to research (with) non-human beings and the more-than-human world. From fungi to whales, algorithms to atmospheres, the increasing interest in the “more-than-human” is leading to the development of novel methodologies troubling what it means to do research, whilst simultaneously troubling notions of species – and the boundaries between them. In this session we look at the emergence of the “more-than-human”, and what it contributes to practice and methodology in the social sciences. We look at how these methods can emphasise or overlook political concerns, social relationships, and test out our own “more-than-human” methods. Please note: part of this session will take place outdoors, so please check the weather!
Catherine Oliver is a geographer and lecturer in the Sociology of Climate Change based at Lancaster University. Her research interests include animals (specifically birds), more-than-human theory, and urban studies. Currently, she is researching seabirds on Morecambe Bay, exploring how people interact with avian life in an ever-changing landscape. Previously, Catherine was researching backyard chickens and their keepers in London.
Zine Making Workshop: Tackling Imposter Syndrome - Room 3.013
Workshop hosted by Inspire Women Oldham with Sally Bonnie FRSA, Founder and Director of Inspiring Futures Partnership CIC and Sarah Marie Hall, University of Manchester
Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop where we'll explore Imposter Syndrome together through the method of collaborative zine making. Led by Inspire Women Oldham, this session offers a warm, inclusive space to share experiences, swap strategies, and celebrate our stories. No experience needed — all materials provided. We will also be sharing copies of a how-to guide for this method, so you can use it yourself in the future. Whether you're navigating academic pressures, workplace challenges, or simply curious about the topic, this workshop is for you. Come ready to create, connect, and be part of a community that believes every voice matters.
Participatory Research using Lego Serious Play (LSP) - Room 3.008
Participants will explore LSP's "build-share-reflect" protocol to model complex research questions, from qualitative data elicitation to strategy mapping. The session covers practical applications like metaphor modelling for interviews, participatory design in multidisciplinary teams, and visualizing research frameworks with bricks. Hands-on exercises demonstrate LSP for phenomenological inquiry, stakeholder engagement, and creative problem-solving in research methodology. Attendees build models addressing real challenges that are often difficult to address while collecting qualitative data (in participatory research).
Dr. Abhishek Behl and Dr Swati Garg, Keele University
What does meaningful co-produced research look like? Centralising lived experience in research design - Room 3.009
Dr Emily Cooper will reflect on her entry into co-produced research with partner organisations and communities with lived experience of bereavement, trauma and crime. Workshop attendees will be given the opportunity to think critically about how to ensure that research designs are truly co-produced, and how to maximise the benefits and impacts of research involving those with lived experience.
Credits:
Created with an image by MST - "Hand releasing white origami cranes against blue sky"