Methodological aspects of research and societal outreach in public health and primary care
Cluster
Research and valorization
Target audience
Doctoral students, primarily from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, but open to doctoral students from other departments or faculties with interest in the topics.
Organizing committee
Prof. Ann Van Hecke, Prof. Kenneth Chambaere and Laurence Hendrickx, all from the Department of Public Health and Primary care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
In this course, PhD students will learn to look at the broader methodological and societal context in which their research project takes place: they will learn to look for connections with other disciplines, to understand the concept of causality in qualitative and quantitative research, complex adaptive systems, the use of Artificial Intelligence in research, to be involved in research projects from colleagues from other research domains related to public health and primary care, but also to reflect on the role of researchers in the public space, their relation to societal stakeholders, and how to interact with for example policy makers at different levels.
Objectives
In this course, PhD students will learn to look at the broader methodological and societal context in which their research project takes place: they will learn to actively reflect on their position as researcher, to strengthen their research integrity, to be involved in research projects from colleagues from other research domains, but also how to engage beneficiaries in their research, how to communicate research results without becoming part of polarization and how to look for the right journal to publish in.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sessions offered by the department. These sessions are grouped into two clusters, allowing students to choose activities from both clusters. For the course to be added to the curriculum of the Doctoral Training programme, the PhD student must select at least three sessions, totaling six contact hours, and actively engage in them. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a reflection document.
Programme
1. How to be a scientist when everything has become political and prone to polarization?
Since almost everything has become political, this era makes it hard to discuss science in public science. How to present results e.g. on health equity when ‘equity’ has become a flagged word? How to counter the argument that ‘everything is an opinion’ after working for three years on an evidence-based scientific report? Though indeed the temperature of the debat might be high sometimes, it would be regrettable that all scientists therefore decide to stay out of the kitchen. How can researchers though communicate their work without becoming part of the polarization themselves? What strategies can help to maintain trust, credibility, and constructive dialogue across divides?
This debate explores how researchers can engage with the public and policy spheres in ways that foster mutual understanding rather than deepen rifts. We also consider the potential of science diplomacy—the use of scientific collaboration and evidence to build bridges across societal, political, or international boundaries—and whether researchers in public health and primary care have a role to play in this field.
Speaker: Tomas Baum (General Director Kazerne Dossin), Koert Debeuf (Prof. International Politics, VUB)
Moderator: Prof. Ignaas Devisch
Date: 07/10/2025 (12:00-13:30)
Location: zaal De Blauwe Vogel, De Krook
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/Polarization
2. PhD café
In a PhD café, PhD students get an opportunity to present their research to other PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and professors, in an informal setting. The aim is to improve their presentation skills, while at the same time getting feedback on their research itself from colleagues from the same and different disciplines, but all related to public health and primary care. In this way, they can also engage in discussions about their work, broadening their scientific horizons. A few months before each PhD Café, speakers are invited to submit an abstract. Students following these sessions are not required, but are encouraged to present their own work.
Date: 13/11/2025 & 19/05/2026 (12:00-13:30)
Location: 13/11/1025: 4.1, K3, Campus UZ Gent – 19/05/2016: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/PhDcafe3 (13/11/2025) & https://event.ugent.be/registration/PhDcafe4 (19/05/2026)
3. From theory to practice: positionality & active reflexivity in research
This seminar invites PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, ZAP members, and other interested persons to explore and critically reflect on the concept of positionality in research. We are honored to welcome Prof. Sarojini Nadar, a critical feminist researcher in -amongst others- social justice, who will speak to the theoretical and methodological importance of positionality and reflexivity, and will offer some provocations relevant to health sciences. Following her talk, participants will engage in a collaborative reflection session, considering how various aspects of their own positionality shape their research practices.
Speaker: Prof. Sarojini Nadar, Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice Office, University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
Date: 09/12/2025 (12:00-16:00)
Location: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/positionality
4. Engaging Beneficiaries in Research: Co-creation, Action Research, and Participatory Methodologies in Public Health and Primary Care
Meaningful engagement of those most affected by research—patients, communities, practitioners, or policy stakeholders—can enhance the relevance, quality, and impact of your work. But what does it mean to truly involve beneficiaries in your research? This seminar explores different approaches to participatory research, including co-creation, action research, and other participatory methodologies. Participants will gain insights into the ethical, practical, and methodological aspects of involving end users and communities in different stages of the research cycle. Through case studies and dialogue, we will discuss how to build trust, share power, and navigate challenges in collaborative research settings.
Speaker: Prof. Tineke Abma, Leiden University (Netherlands) – to be confirmed
Date: 13/01/2026 (12:00-13:30)
Location: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/ParticipatoryMethodology
5. Strengthening Research Integrity: Replicability and Pre-registration in Public Health and Primary Care:
Concerns about the replicability of scientific findings have prompted a growing movement toward greater transparency and methodological rigour in research. Pre-registration—where hypotheses, methods, and analysis plans are defined in advance—can help safeguard against selective reporting and enhance credibility. But how do these practices apply in the context of public health and primary care research, where flexibility and context sensitivity are often needed? This seminar introduces the principles of replicability and pre-registration, explores practical tools and platforms, and discusses their relevance across different types of research, from clinical studies to qualitative research.
Speakers: Louise Poppe & Annick De Paepe, UGent
Date: 10/02/2026 (12:00-13:30)
Location: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/Replicability
6. Navigating the Policy Landscape: The Role of Researchers, Policy Makers, and Civil Society in Public Health and Primary Care
In the complex arena of public health and primary care, researchers, policy makers, and civil society actors each bring their own mandates, time frames, and priorities to the table. These differences can lead to tensions, but also open opportunities for synergy. This seminar explores how these actors influence and reinforce one another in the development, implementation, and evaluation of health policies. Where do they meet? What platforms facilitate their dialogue? And crucially, how can researchers make their voices heard and claim a meaningful role in this ecosystem? Through concrete examples and interactive discussion, this seminar aims to equip participants with insight into navigating this dynamic space.
Speaker: tbc
Date: 17/03/2026 (12:00-13:30)
Location: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/PolicyLandscape
7. Publishing Your Research: Choosing the Right Journal, Navigating Rejection, and Boosting Visibility
Editors of journals today receive an overload of scientific articles. Only articles that fit within the scope of the journal and comply with international standards in terms of reporting as well as the journal's regulations (e.g. in terms of preprint policy, data sharing policy, structure of the manuscript, …) are eligible for peer review. During this session, a toolbox is provided to increase your chances of success for a peer-reviewed publication.
A good visibility of scientific output, ensures greater reach and potential impact of the researcher's scientific work, in terms of social, scientific and economic impact. This information session aims to support researchers in finding the right communication strategy to increase the visibility of scientific research. It will highlight tools provided by Ghent University and examine how platforms such as LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and academic networks like ResearchGate and Academia.edu can be used to increase research visibility.
During this session, the following questions will be covered:
• How do I select a journal to publish my article?
• How do I evaluate the quality of an Open Access journal? (including what are predatory practices?)
• What is an ORCID iD and why is it useful?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of sharing my research on online academic social networks?
Speakers: Nele Pauwels & Greet Wieme (Knowledge Center for Health Ghent)
Date: 23/04/2026 (12:00-13:30)
Location: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/publishing
8. Impact of work and organisations on employees' health
This seminar will explore how various aspects of work and organisational structures influence the health and wellbeing of employees. Professor Jodi Oakman (La Trobe University), an expert in occupational health and work design, will discuss the interplay between physical, psychosocial, and organisational factors in shaping worker health outcomes. The session will address contemporary challenges such as job insecurity, work intensification, and the impact of poorly designed work systems. Drawing on current research and case studies, participants will gain insights into how public health research can inform healthier work environments. The seminar will also reflect on strategies for translating evidence into workplace policies and practices.
Speaker: Prof. Jodi Oakman, La Trobe University (Australia)
Date: 11/06/2026 (12:00-13:30)
Location: Room Together, The Core, Campus UZ
Registration: https://event.ugent.be/registration/WorkImpact
Registration fee
Free of charge for Doctoral School members.
Language
English
Evaluation method
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sessions offered by the department. These sessions are grouped into two clusters, allowing students to choose activities from both clusters. For the course to be added to the curriculum of the Doctoral Training programme, the PhD student must select at least three sessions, totaling six contact hours, and actively engage in them. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a reflection document.
After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.