Topic #1 – What are the operational dilemmas in undertaking research in complex environments?
Which challenges and dilemmas are field actors facing in operationalising studies (with or without complex designs)? Operational agencies are more and more involved in implementation research, either nested into ongoing programmes or in parallel to them, often in challenging settings. The need of high quality evidence to inform operations and policies requires sound methodologies, specialised human resources and multiple partnerships that make research implementation complex.
What are the implications for us? How do we respond? Do we manage to remain accountable to our beneficiaries (for whom are we conducting research)? Which is the most suited research and most needed to operations? How much should we focus on impact and how much on contextual enabling factors?