S5327

S5327-1conclusions.html J Kramer. Conluding remarks. Redd Barnas Forskningsfonds seminar 24. April: Co-operation between users of research and research institutions in Norway and abroad (This and more will come under www.reddbarna.no )

Workshop on co-operation between SC Norway and Research milieus

Concluding remarks - Julian Kramer

The discussions in the workshop gave evidence of good will to communicate and build on positive experiences of co-operation between researchers and practitioners.
In this context it is important to point out that SCN hopes that it is not only seen as a new/additional-funding source for the research milieus in Norway.
The workshop has identified several areas where there is scope for SCN and research institutions in Norway to co-operate in lobbying for additional funds for research on children's issues in third world countries, as well as for defining the research agenda to include such issues.
This workshop should not be seen as a one-off event. SCN hopes that it is part of a long term process and dialogue. SCN intends to have a follow-up workshop next year -either in the same format as this year, or possibly for 2 days with more possibilities for more structured dialogue between researchers and people from the field.
Part of that dialogue is to clarify the different roles between researchers and practitioners/NGOs and to find ways of strengthening complimentarily between them.
The SCN Research fund has primarily been able to fund post-graduate students for fieldwork abroad. But there is a concern that there is no proper academic milieu for students interested in pursuing children's issues in their research. The participation of representatives both from the academic as well as administrative sides of the university was therefore welcomed.
There were a number of interesting and important substantive issues that were raised in the presentations and discussions.

The problem of obtaining reliable statistics
The challenges in moving from anecdotal material to gathering information which can be generalised
Challenges related to involving children in the research process - the need to make sure that the dignity and integrity of children is recognised - the need to develop proper methodologies for interviewing and/or interacting with children - the challenge of involving children in a participatory research process and not only relating to them as informants.
Problems of ownership of research and professional integrity of the researchers - how to do research which is both relevant for practical work in the field as well as being bringing academic merit to the researcher.
How to ensure that the process also results in increasing inputs/resources and capacity building to research milieus in the South - and not only to institutes in Norway.
Would it be more effective for SCN to concentrate on building relations with only a few selected research institutions in Norway rather than engaging broadly with the research community as a whole?
There are many experiences from work in the South which are relevant for work in Norway - How can this be documented and disseminated