Carrying out research in Russia, be it quantitative or qualitative, has particular challenges that can make it difficult for graduate students to make efficient and effective use of their time while in country: navigating the complex archival and library systems, conducting personal interviews on politically sensitive topics, and collecting elusive survey data, to name a few. The Graduate Methods Training Workshop aims to address these challenges by exploring innovative methodological approaches and engaging in training and dialogue with Russia-focused social scientists—all while fostering a community of emerging Russianists and promoting networking and professional opportunities with experts on Russia.

With generous funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, along with support from IU’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research, the Russian Studies Workshop (RSW) at Indiana University’s Russian and East European Institute (REEI) hosts a two-day methods training workshop for U.S.-based pre-dissertation PhD students in the social sciences with a focus on Russia. The two-day workshop focuses on learning from faculty experts on qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, survey methods, datasets and digital methods, media and discourse analysis, and learning best practices in navigating Russian archives and libraries. The workshop also provides opportunities to present your own research via lightning-round sessions, discuss challenges of doing research in Russia, and practice proposal writing to help obtain research funding. 

Participants are PhD students in the United States whose work is in the social sciences (including history) and who are at the pre-dissertation research stage. More advanced graduate students who make a strong case for needing methods training are also considered. Successful applicants receive paid domestic (U.S.) travel, lodging, and meals for the length of the workshop.