In a context characterised by increasingly complex social, political and technological challenges, research methodologies face new ethical, epistemological and interdisciplinary demands. The need to produce critical and socially relevant knowledge makes it particularly important to create spaces for advanced training that promote dialogue between different methodological approaches and fields of knowledge.
NOMAD - CES School of Critical Methodologies and Interdisciplinary Methods was established to strengthen methodological training in the social sciences through an inclusive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approach. Combining theoretical sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions and opportunities for personalised mentoring, the school seeks to create a space for dialogue, experimentation, critical reflection and the development of research skills.
Summer School Structure
Over the course of four days, the following topics will be covered:
- Fundamentals of interdisciplinary and critical research
- Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches
- Critical research and reflexivity: ethnography, action-research, digital and visual methodologies
- Artificial intelligence
- Ethics and integrity in scientific research
- Science management
The programme also includes individual mentoring sessions, during which participants can present their research work and discuss methodological challenges with the trainers. These sessions take place at the end of each day and provide a valuable opportunity for reflection and personalised support.
This first edition of NOMAD will feature lecturers and researchers from the University of Coimbra UC with expertise in critical and interdisciplinary methodologies.
The sessions will take place in person and in Portuguese.
Who is it for?
The Summer School is aimed at Master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers and others interested in developing their methodological skills in the social sciences.
Mentoring sessions
Participants wishing to take part in the mentoring sessions must submit a 250-word abstract on their research work. The abstract must include the research methodology adopted or under consideration
Confirmed Speakers
André Dias Pereira - Faculty of Law, University of Coimbra
Andreia Barbas - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Gustavo García-López - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Hermes Augusto Costa - Centre for Social Studies / Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra
Hélia Santos - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Inês Amaral - Centre for Social Studies / Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra
Isabel Ferreira - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Joana Vaz Sousa - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Joaquim Veríssimo - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Júlia Garraio - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Mara Pieri - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Maria Manuel Borges - Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies (CEIS20) / Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra
Mónica Lopes - Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra
Paula Abreu - Centre for Social Studies / Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra
Rita Basílio de Simões - Centre for Social Studies / Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Coimbra
Sílvia Portugal - Centre for Social Studies / Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra
Teresa Almeida Cravo - Centre for Social Studies / Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra
Application
To apply, you must submit:
A brief bio note (max. 200 words)
A letter of motivation explaining how the school ties in with your research journey (max. 700 words)
A 250-word abstract of your research, including the methodology used, if you wish to take part in the mentoring sessions
Submit your application HERE
Key dates
Applications
18 June 2026 to 3 July 2026
Notification of results
By 17 July 2026
Registration periods
Early bird: 20 July 2026 to 31 July 2026
Late bird: 1 August 2026 to 15 August 2026
Registration
Early bird registration
20 July 2026 to 31 July 2026
UC Master’s and PhD students - 100 euros
Other UC staff and students - 150 euros
Master’s and PhD students from outside UC - 200 euros
Other participants from outside UC - 250 euros
Late bird registration
01 August 2026 to 15 August 2026
UC Master’s and PhD students - 125 euros
Other UC staff and students - 175 euros
Master’s and PhD students from outside UC - 225 euros
Other participants from outside UC - 275 euros
Registration fee includes support materials, lunches and participation in the social programme scheduled throughout the four days of the event.
In addition, on 8 September, a social dinner will be held; attendance is optional, at an extra cost of 25 euros, which must be paid at the time of registration.
Note: The organisers are offering two free places to students of the University of Coimbra who are unemployed and do not receive a grant. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to the first two eligible applicants.
Contact: nomad@ces.uc.pt
Accommodation
A 10% discount on the rates available online at the time of booking - for bookings made by participants themselves directly with:
- Hotel Oslo via the website www.hoteloslo-coimbra.pt (promotional code LOVECOIMBRA)
- Hotel Botânico via email to geral@hotelbotanicocoimbra.pt, mentioning the name of the event - NOMAD.
Organising Committee | Rita Basílio Simões, Ana Lúcia Santos, Daniela Neto, Júlia Garraio, Paula Abreu, Teresa Almeida Cravo