Cohort 6 Launches: Advancing Research Excellence at the Research Methodology & Capacity Building Workshop for Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty at LUMS
From Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to Barkhan, Balochistan, LUMS welcomes Cohort 6 scholars as they begin their exciting and transformative journey
The First Day
The first day of the Research Methodology & Capacity Building Workshop for Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty – Cohort 5 began with a sense of excitement and eagerness. Out of more than 466 applicants, only 20 participants were selected from all over Pakistan, including areas that are often underrepresented. Everyone arrived ready to learn, share ideas, and grow as researchers.
This year, the LUMS team and cohort are lucky to welcome our esteemed guests – Dr. Elora Shehabuddin, Dr. Krisna Uk, Dr. Richard Fox, and Dr. Mica Barreto Soares – to Pakistan!
The day kicked off with registration, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Furrukh Khan, Dr. Shabbir Ahsen, Dr. Tariq Jadoon, and Dean Dr. Ali Khan. The participants and the guests also introduced themselves. Their introduction helped set the tone for the week ahead—one filled with learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations. The morning included some quiet reading time and a group discussion to get everyone thinking and talking.
The Day’s Sessions …
Session 1: Gendered Knowledge/s
Session Lead: Dr. Hadia Majid
Reading: Lanu Kim – “Gendered knowledge in fields and academic careers”
Dr. Hadia Majid led the first session, where participants explored how knowledge in academia can be shaped by gender. The group discussed how women and men often experience academic careers differently and what that means for research and teaching. It was an eye-opening conversation that encouraged everyone to reflect on their own experiences in the academic world.
Session 2: Material Reality
Session Lead: Dr. Waqar Zaidi
Reading 1: David Edgerton – Shock of the Old (Chapter 2)
After lunch, Dr. Waqar Zaidi took the participants through a thought-provoking session on technology and history. They read and discussed how the tools and objects we use every day—often overlooked—can tell powerful stories about our past and present. The session challenged common ideas about progress and modernity, especially in a global context.
Session 3: Beyond the Question: Mastering Qualitative Interviews
Session Lead: Dr. Tayyaba Tamim
Reading: Palmgren C. McGrath: Twelve Tips for Conducting Qualitative Research Interviews
Reading: Samuk Carignani & Burchi – Preparing for Online Interviews during COVID-19
In the final session of the day, Dr. Tayyaba Tamim helped participants dive into the practical side of research—how to conduct strong and meaningful interviews. She shared helpful tips for asking better questions, listening deeply, and handling the challenges of doing interviews online. The session was interactive and gave everyone something useful to take back to their own research projects.
The day ended with a lovely welcome dinner on campus, where participants had the chance to relax, connect with one another, and enjoy good food and conversation.
It was a full and inspiring first day—setting the stage for a rewarding week ahead.
