Research methods on hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations

Cluster

Research and Valorization

Target audience

The target audience for this seminar are PhD researchers from diverse background (e.g. medical and health sciences, social sciences, behavioural sciences and etc) who are engaged in, or interested in, research involving populations labelled as vulnerable or hard-to-reach. The more diverse the participant group, the greater the learning opportunities offered. The seminar is designed to accommodate both qualitative and quantitative method PhD researchers. While both early-stage and senior PhD researchers are encouraged to attend, early-stage researchers stand to gain particularly valuable insights and skills for their future practical work.

Teacher

Prof Stef Adriaenssens, Faculty of Economics and Business, Economics Research Group (ECON) KU Leuven University

Prof. Dr. Birte Nienaber Associate Professor in Political Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg

Abstract

Hard-to-reach or vulnerable population groups, who are often characterized by limited accessibility, marginalized status, and socio-economic disadvantages, pose challenges for research due to barriers in engagement and the need for specialized methodologies to capture their unique experiences. This seminar is designed to provide PhD researchers with comprehensive knowledge, innovative methods, practical skills, and ethical considerations essential for conducting meaningful and respectful research involving hard-to-reach and people in vulnerable situations within diverse socio-cultural contexts

Objectives

i) Explore and employ innovative research methodologies, approaches, and tools tailored to effectively engage hard-to-reach populations and gather high-quality data.

ii) Apply ethical considerations and principles for research with hard-to-reach populations, emphasizing informed consent, confidentiality, empathy, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.

iii) Devise strategies to gain access and build trust and rapport with hard-to-reach communities, fostering meaningful participation and collaboration.

iv) Translate research findings into actionable insights and policy recommendations, advocating for positive change and social impact while respecting the dignity and rights of the populations studied.

v) Strengthen methodological competence across qualitative and quantitative work—including appropriate sampling, rigorous data collection, transparent analysis, and, where relevant, coherent mixed-methods integration.

Dates and venue

17 November 2025 

Session 1: 09:00-12:30

Session 2: 14h00 - 17h30

Leslokaal F0.1, Block F, Campus Coupure

Registration

• Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. We check if you are eligible to participate. Due to limited places, we give priority to PhD students. Your registration will be confirmed by separate e-mail (outlook invite).
• Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

• The no show policy applies.

Registration fee

Free of charge for Doctoral School members.

Number of participants

Maximum 15

Language

English

Training method

The teaching methods combine theory-based lectures and interactive discussions. The first session will introduce key topics—who vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations are, why they should be studied, ethical issues and relevant quantitative methods and approaches. The second session, led by Prof. Birte Nienaber, will focus on qualitative approaches and innovative methods. The lecture-style theoretical content will be paired with application assignments completed in small groups. Participants will join interactive discussions on topics set by the professors or related to their individual projects.

Evaluation method

The evaluation is based on the combination of class attendance and active participation during discussion and the lectures.  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.