B5233 - Laboratory (1) (LM) (G.B)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop, students will be able to organise and collect complex information in a coherent way and use the tools acquired to develop project ideas relevant to the disciplines studied. They will be digitally literate and able to process, catalogue and make usable sources, metadata and scientific research results relevant to the disciplines studied, according to the principles of open science, and to promote historical memory, taking into account the specificities of the different communication, dissemination and didactic media. They will be familiar with didactic tools, including digital ones, and will develop publishing skills. They will be able to update their knowledge and research methods through opportunities for comparison and learning according to their abilities and inclinations and through the tools developed by the scientific community, using analogue and digital resources and independently consulting historiographical texts in original languages other than Italian.

Course contents

The course "Designing Applied Research Projects for Global Challenges" provides students with conceptual and practical tools to transform complex societal issues into applied research projects capable of generating social impact.

Starting from contemporary global challenges—such as sustainability, health, education, migration, social inequalities, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence—the course introduces methods and tools for designing evidence-based interventions within the humanities and social sciences.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

●critically analyse global and societal challenges and transform them into applied research problems;

●conduct needs assessments and stakeholder analyses;

●design research and intervention strategies using qualitative and mixed-methods approaches;

●develop theories of change, logic models, and impact evaluation frameworks;

●critically and responsibly use AI tools to support research, project development, and scientific communication;

●prepare and present a complete project proposal suitable for public institutions, NGOs, international organisations, or social innovation initiatives.

The course is divided into four modules and includes practical workshops and collaborative activities.

Module 1: Understanding Global Challenges and Applied Research

Introduction to contemporary global challenges (in the frame of Sustainable Development Goals, but also the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025–2027 and the EU Strategic Agenda 2024–2029) and the role of applied research in the humanities and social sciences. Case studies and examples of successful projects will be discussed. The students will be ask to choose a topic for their work and presentation during the laboratory.

Module 2: Problem Analysis and Project Design

Students will learn how to transform societal issues into researchable and actionable projects through problem analysis, stakeholder mapping, systems thinking, co-design approaches, and methodological planning.

Module 3: Impact, Sustainability and AI for Project Development

This module focuses on Theory of Change, logic models, monitoring and evaluation, and impact assessment. Drawing on the European Commission's Guidelines on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research (https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/download/2b6cf7e5-36ac-41cb-aab5-0d32050143dc_en .), it also explores opportunities and limitations (https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146131 ) of AI-assisted literature review, evidence synthesis, project design, and proposal writing. Specific consideration will be given to transparency in the use of AI tools, source verification, bias mitigation, and the researcher's scientific responsibility.

Module 4: Project Development and Presentation

Students will develop and present a complete applied research project proposal, discussing objectives, methodology, expected impact, and sustainability.

Readings/Bibliography

Handouts will be provided to the students to support both attendance in the course and the preparation of the final paper.

Teaching methods

The course combines theoretical and practical activities and includes:

●lectures;

●guided discussions;

●group work;

●case study analysis;

●practical workshops and hands-on exercises;

●guided use of digital and Artificial Intelligence tools;

●peer-review activities and project presentations.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on the development and presentation of an individual or group project proposal.

Students will be evaluated on:

1. their ability to identify and critically analyse a global challenge or social issue;
2. their ability to design a coherent and methodologically sound applied research project;
3. their ability to use project design, impact assessment, and project communication tools effectively;
4. their ability to critically and responsibly integrate Artificial Intelligence tools into the project design process;
5. the quality of the final presentation and the supporting documentation produced.

Active participation in classroom and workshop activities will also be taken into account in the final assessment.

Non-attending students

The course structure is designed for classroom work and active participation. Attendance is therefore strongly recommended. Students who attend at least 75% of the lectures will be considered as attending.

Those who are unable to attend the course, but still wish to include it in their study plan, are asked to contact the lecturer BEFORE the start of the course, in order to agree on the topic for a paper.

Teaching tools

Power Point

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Licia Proserpio