SVF-8072 Collaborative Research in the Arctic: Methods, Theory, and Practice - 5 stp

Collaborative research is built on an equitable and mutually beneficial partnership between researchers and relevant stakeholders, such as community groups, organizations, policymakers, patients, families, service users, or businesses. This approach brings together diverse perspectives, experiences, and resources to produce knowledge that is both scientifically rigorous and socially meaningful. The primary goal is to address complex challenges in a way that creates value for all parties involved.

This course delves into various approaches to collaborative research, with a focus on the philosophy of science, knowledge traditions, and the diverse methods associated with these frameworks. Philosophical traditions in collaborative research refer to the underlying philosophical and theoretical perspectives that shape how knowledge is understood, produced, and applied in partnerships between researchers and stakeholders. These traditions influence the organization of the research process, the choice of methods, and the interpretation of results.

The course is recommended for students who wish to work with collaborative research in their project and is preferably recommended early in the process, to ensure collaboration with stakeholders throughout the research process.

As part of the course, students are expected to develop a strong understanding of these philosophical traditions and their practical implications for collaborative research.

In addition to attending lectures, participants will actively engage in discussions about their own projects, including the research process, chosen methods, and theoretical perspectives. This interactive component is designed to help students critically reflect on and apply the concepts covered in the course to their own work.

The following course code must be used:Course code 9301 - Singular courses at PhD level

The primary target group for the course are candidates who have been admitted to the PhD program in studies at UiT where collaborative research is relevant but will also be open to others who wish to study the topic of the course in depth, including international students.

PhD students or holders of a Norwegian Master´s Degree of five years or 3+ 2 years (or equivalent) may be admitted. PhD students must upload a document from their university stating that they are registered PhD students.

Holders of a Master´s Degree must upload a Master´s Diploma with Diploma Supplement / English translation of the diploma. Applicants from listed countries must document proficiency in English. To find out if this applies to you see the following list: https://www.nokut.no/globalassets/nokut/artikkelbibliotek/utenlandsk_utdanning/gsulista/2021/language_requirements_gsu_121121.pdf

For more information on accepted English proficiency tests and scores, as well as exemptions from the English proficiency tests, please see the following document: https://uit.no/Content/254419/PhD_EnglishProficiency_100913.pdf

The course has 20 places, and a minimum of 5 must participate for the course to be organised.

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available on the PhD course, applicants will be ranked from category 1 to 4.

• Category 1: Students admitted to the PhD Programme at UiT
• Category 2: Doctoral students from other universities
• Category 3: People with a minimum of a Master´s Degree (or equivalent). (A Norwegian Master´s Degree of 5 years or 3 (Bachelor Degree) + 2 years (Master’s Degree).
• Category 4: Students attending a research study programme.

The PhD candidates have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The PhD candidate

• has in-depth knowledge of collaborative research methodology and can relate this methodology to fundamental understandings in the philosophy of science
• can evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of various collaborative methods and processes in research projects
• can contribute to the development of new knowledge through collaborative research within their discipline

Skills

The PhD candidate

• have the skills necessary for making choices among a variety of collaborative research approaches and methodologies
• can handle complex challenges related to interdisciplinary tasks and projects using collaborative research methodology in a scientific and thorough manner
• can handle complex professional issues and challenge established knowledge and practices within collaborative research methodology

General competence

The PhD candidate

• can identify relevant ethical issues and conduct their research with professional integrity in collaborative research
• can carry out collaborative research and professional development at a high international level
• can assess the need for, initiate, and drive innovation using collaborative research methodology

The course duration is 3 days.

The teaching is organised as a combination of lectures and presentations of the participants' approaches to collaborative research in their projects. The course involves a high degree of student engagement.