Methodological Training Institutes

Qualitative Methods Through a Participatory Lens is a five-day virtual, interactive training designed for researchers and community partners who want to conduct research that is rigorous, inclusive, and reflective of real community experiences. The training includes four half-day virtual sessions for researchers and a dedicated full-day session bringing community and academic partners together — creating a space for shared learning grounded in collaborative approaches to research. Participants will build foundational knowledge of qualitative research and develop practical skills for designing and carrying out research methods that center community voices. Participants will: 

• Learn the basics of qualitative research in clear, practical terms 

• Build skills to choose and use research approaches that reflect community priorities and participation 

• Practice ways to analyze information so that findings are reliable and meaningful 

• Develop skills to co-design qualitative research between community and academic partners 

• Gain tools to share research results clearly with a wide range of audiences—including community members, organizations, and policymakers 

 Overall, the program focuses on making research more inclusive, useful, and grounded in real-world perspectives. 

Click here to register.


Dyadic Analysis coming summer 2027.

Harness Northwestern's internationally renowned strengths in dissemination and implementation science, human-centered design, digital health and health equity with this unique training experience. The Implementation Science Academy (ISA) is an annual methodological institute offered through the Department of Medical Social Sciences and in partnership with the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science. Included are pre-academy foundational webinars, a 3-day in-person project-based learning intensive, and post-academy technical assistance to ensure successful project execution and mastery learning.

ISA+ coming January/February 2027 

Learning Health Systems coming May 2027