Who we are

The National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) forms part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) strategy to improve the standards of research methods across the UK social science community. NCRM was established in April 2004 with funding from the ESRC to provide more strategic integration and coordination of ESRC’s investment in research methods.

 

NCRM provides a focal point for research, training and capacity building activities. These activities are aimed at promoting a step change in the quality and range of methodological skills and techniques used by the UK social science community, and providing support for, and dissemination of, methodological innovation and excellence within the UK.

 

NCRM aims to

• Advance methodological understanding and practice;
• Enable members of the UK social science research community to learn about recent developments in research methods and current ‘best practice’ and to acquire the capacity to use these methods effectively in their research;
• Play a strategic role in the promotion of high quality research methodology; and
• Enhance the UK international profile in methodological excellence and to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of international developments in social research methodology.

 

NCRM coordinating Hub is based at the University of Southampton and the nodes are located across various UK universities. NCRM Director Professor Patrick Sturgis and NCRM Deputy Director Professor Graham Crow are based at the Hub.

 

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