Summer Workshop in Research Methods

What is the Summer Workshop in Research Methods?

George Mason University is excited to host its fourth Summer Research Workshop, June 8-14, 2025. 

Workshop attendance is free (including campus housing and meals). Travel is not included.

During this Summer Research Institute, participating fellows will:

• Explore the history of social science research methods and methodology.
• Develop tools for practice as researchers.
• Create research protocols.
• Build skills in participatory and community-based research practice.
• Grow peer networks and connect with research mentors for ongoing collaboration beyond the workshop.

Previous fellows who have attended the Summer Institute have found it to be a collaborative and participatory experience that both deepens and challenges their methods and methodological understandings and commitments. The Institute offers practical research skills and knowledge to its fellows, who engage in participatory workshops to co-create opportunities to explore and implement the Institute's discoveries in their own individual research.

Where is the workshop held?

The Summer Institute is held in person at George Mason University’s Fairfax, Virginia campus. Housing is located in the on-campus residence halls, and workshop sessions are held in on-campus academic buildings.  

Be aware that Mason has three northern Virginia campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Manassas.  This can cause some confusion.  This workshop will be held exclusively at the Fairfax campus.

When is the Summer Institute?

The 2025 session will be held Monday, June 9, 2025 through Friday, June 13, 2025. Out-of-town participants will arrive Sunday, June 8, 2025 and depart on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Participants are expected to attend all sessions from Monday morning through Friday evening.

How can I participate in the workshop?

Summer Institute Fellows are selected through an application process. Interested individuals must submit an application via our application portal. Applications for the 2025 session will open in January 2025. This is a competitive process with a limited number of spaces available. After applications have closed, the Summer Institute leadership team will review all applications and carefully select applicants to invite to this weeklong workshop. 

Can I join virtually?

The Summer Institute is currently designed and equipped for in-person participation only. This is largely due to its highly collaborative and discussion-based nature. 

Who should apply?

M.A. and Ph.D. students with interest in careers in social science research (or related humanities fields).

Is this program competitive?

While we wish we could admit everyone who applies, we are only able to accept a limited number of fellows. Because of this, applicants should take special attention to fully complete the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How much does it cost to participate in the Summer Institute?

Participation in the Summer Institute is free. Travel is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.

What is included in the Summer Institute?

If selected as a fellow, workshop attendance is free. For accepted fellows not local to Fairfax, the Summer Institute will provide room and board at George Mason University in an apartment dorm style residence hall with individual, private bedrooms and shared living spaces. Those not local to Fairfax will also be given a week-long parking permit to park on campus upon request. All Summer Institute fellows, local and non-local, will be provided with 3 meals a day beginning Sunday evening and concluding on Saturday morning. 

What is NOT included in the Summer Institute?

Travel costs are not included with acceptance to the Summer Institute. All accepted fellows will need to arrange and pay for their own travel arrangements to get to the George Mason University’s Fairfax, Virginia campus. George Mason University students are not eligible for parking validation.  

What is the time commitment?

The Summer Institute will take place beginning on Sunday evening and concluding on Saturday morning. If accepted, fellows will be asked to commit to the full schedule of the program. Fellows will need to be present for the full week of scheduled events.  If you are not able to commit to this schedule, we ask that you consider applying in a future year.

Additionally, fellows that accept their spot in the Summer Institute will be asked to join mandatory pre-Institute meetings, which will take place over Zoom in the weeks preceding the workshop.

What if I cannot be there for the whole week?

We do ask that applicants commit to the full schedule. Because this is a highly competitive workshop, we ask that applicants not commit to the program unless they are able to stay for the entire duration of the scheduled program. If you are not able to commit to this schedule, we ask that you consider applying in a future year.

What do I need to bring with me to the Summer Institute?

For non-local participants staying in our residence halls, a linen package, which contains bed linens, towels, and toilet paper, is included. Otherwise, participants are encouraged to bring all the same necessities that they typically pack for travel: the necessary clothing, toiletries, chargers, any medication, and anything else one might want to have with them for travel and a week-long stay away from home. 

What is a typical schedule for the Summer Institute?

Below is a sample schedule for the week of activities. The schedule below is just a sample and is not necessarily reflective of the schedule for the upcoming 2025 session. It is intended to give applicants a sense of how out the week is laid out.

Summer Institute Partners

The Summer Institute is a collaboration of:

• • George Mason University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of Maryland

Summer Institute Sponsors

Sponsors at George Mason University include:

• • Center for Social Science Research (CSSR)*
  • Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement
  • College of Education and Human Development
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences*
  • Department of Sociology and Anthropology*
  • Early Identification Program (EIP)*
  • Office of Civic Engagement and Civic Learning (CECIL)*
  • Office of Access, Compliance, and Community*
  • Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA)
  • Office of Research and Innovation Initiatives

* Denotes 2025 Summer Institute Sponsors