This course explores the principles and methodologies for designing and conducting programmatic research across diverse disciplines. Moving beyond isolated studies, students will learn how to develop cohesive, long-term research programs guided by theoretical frameworks, methodological rigor, and interdisciplinary integration. The course introduces key research frameworks (e.g., MRC framework, design-based research, systems thinking) and examines how they can be adapted to different fields, including social sciences, engineering, health sciences, and computational research. Emphasis is placed on identifying research gaps, structuring multi-phase studies, and ensuring methodological coherence across disciplines. Additionally, students will engage with the technological, ethical, and implementation challenges of interdisciplinary research, including data integration across fields, knowledge translation, and stakeholder engagement. Through case studies, peer review sessions, and hands-on exercises, students will refine their ability to conceptualize and develop research programs that bridge disciplinary boundaries. By the end of the course, students will: - Understand how to transition from single studies to an overarching research program - Apply programmatic frameworks to their field of study while integrating interdisciplinary perspectives - Navigate methodological and ethical challenges in interdisciplinary research - Develop a long-term research vision with logical study progression This course is ideal for PhD students in any discipline who seek to develop structured, multi-phase research programs and engage with interdisciplinary research methodologies. Students in other programs listed below may also benefit from this course: - Artificial Intelligence - Bioengineering and Medical-Surgical Sciences - Design and Technolog: People, Systems, Environment - Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering - Urban and Regional Development

Guest Lecture: Dr. Adam Dubrowski obtained his PhD from the University of Waterloo and his academic career commenced as a scientist with the Wilson Centre for Research and Education, followed by over a decade of research and leadership roles related to simulation based education programming with the Department of Surgery, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, and the Hospital for Sick Children’s Learning and Research Institutes (University of Toronto). In 2013, he became the inaugural director of Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre at Memorial University’s Disciplines of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics and was cross-appointed to the Marine Institute. After six years he returned to Oshawa, Ontario as a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Simulation in Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Here he founded maxSIMhealth Living Laboratory (maxSIMhealth.com). Dr. Dubrowski began his research career by studying factors that influence the acquisition of clinical skills, particularly the methods used for optimizing simulation in medical education and training. He studied the factors influencing retention, maintenance and transfer of skills, as well as the validation of innovative assessment methods to measure these effects. He draws on existing theories from other fields to evaluate and reshape existing simulation programs, and to develop new ones. As educational technology is constantly evolving, so have his research interests. He now studies the use of disruptive technologies such as virtual learning environments or three-dimensional printing and manufacturing to fill existing gaps in the availability of simulation technology that can help prepare and improve the retention of clinical skills. Programme 4-Day Intensive Course (15 Hours Total) Day 1: Foundations of Programmatic Research Topic 1: Introduction to Programmatic Thinking in Interdisciplinary Research (1.5 hours) Objective: Introduce students to the value of programmatic research over isolated studies, emphasizing how interdisciplinary approaches enhance long-term impact. Key Topics: - Differences between single-study vs. programmatic research - The role of interdisciplinary integration in research design - Case studies of successful programmatic research across disciplines Activities: 1. Case Study Analysis: Students analyze real-world interdisciplinary research programs and discuss how they evolved over time. 2. Small Group Discussion: What are the biggest challenges in moving from single-study to programmatic research? Topic 2: Research Frameworks for Interdisciplinary Inquiry (1.5 hours) Objective: Introduce key research frameworks that guide interdisciplinary research and discuss how they shape long-term research programs. Key Topics: - Overview of programmatic research frameworks (e.g., Systems Thinking, MRC Framework, Design-Based Research) -Comparison of approaches across health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and computational research - Ethical considerations in interdisciplinary research Activities: 1. Framework Matching Exercise: Students match real research questions with appropriate frameworks and justify their choices. 2. Group Debate: Is there a “best” framework for interdisciplinary research? Topic 3: Developing Research Questions & Selecting Frameworks (2 hours) Objective: Guide students in formulating strong interdisciplinary research questions and selecting an appropriate framework for their study. Key Topics: - How to structure a compelling research question - Choosing the right framework for a given research problem - Integrating multi-method approaches in interdisciplinary studies Activities: 1. Individual Work: Students draft an initial research question and select an appropriate framework. 2. One-on-One Peer Review: Pairs of students provide feedback on question clarity, framework fit, and feasibility. 3. Homework: Students revise their research question and framework selection based on peer feedback. Day 2: Refining & Expanding Research Programs Topic 4: Structuring & Refining Research Proposals (3 hours) Objective: Provide students with structured guidance on research proposal refinement to ensure coherence and methodological rigor. Key Topics: - Communicating programmatic research ideas effectively - Addressing methodological challenges in interdisciplinary studies - Justifying theoretical, ethical, and data collection choices Activities: 1. Lightning Presentations: Students present their revised research question and framework (3 min each) for quick feedback. 2. Small Group Discussions: How do methodologies differ across disciplines, and what challenges arise in combining them? 3. Homework: Submit a refined 3-page research proposal incorporating feedback. Topic 5: Expanding Research Programs – Developing Follow-up Research Questions (2 hours) Objective: Teach students how to design follow-up research to ensure logical programmatic growth. Key Topics: - Identifying gaps and next steps based on previous findings - How to modify research questions to extend interdisciplinary inquiry - Ethical and methodological challenges in longitudinal research programs Activities: 1. Progression Mapping Exercise: Students map out the next logical study based on their current research question. 2. Peer Exchange: Each student shares their follow-up idea and receives feedback on feasibility and originality. Day 3: Implementation Science & Knowledge Translation Topic 6: Interactive Implementation Science Workshop (4 hours) Objective: Teach students how to translate their research into real-world applications using implementation science frameworks. Key Topics: - Overview of implementation science and knowledge translation -Application of CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) in interdisciplinary research - Stakeholder engagement and barriers to research adoption Activities: 1. Case Study Discussion: Students analyze successful real-world applications of interdisciplinary research. 2. Interactive Exercise: In small groups, students develop a realistic implementation plan for their research proposal. 3. Individual Work: Students create a 1-page structured implementation strategy for their project. 4. Homework: Finalize research proposal and prepare for presentations. Day 4: Final Research Program Presentations & Reflection Topic 7: Comprehensive Research Program Presentations (3 hours) Objective: Provide students with a platform to synthesize their entire research program and receive constructive peer and instructor feedback. Key Topics: - Presenting research aims, methodologies, and implementation plans - Demonstrating coherence across different research phases - Evaluating research feasibility and real-world impact Activities: 1. Final Presentations (10 min per student)¿ Expected long-term impact - Implementation plan 2. Peer and Instructor Evaluations using structured feedback forms. Final Reflection & Next Steps (30 min) Objective: Encourage students to apply their learnings beyond the course and refine their long-term research vision. Key Topics: - Key takeaways from the course -How to apply programmatic research thinking in their own work -Strategies for publishing and funding interdisciplinary research Activities: 1. Personal Action Plan: Students write down next steps for their research and how they plan to implement what they learned. Closing Discussion: What are the biggest challenges to conducting long-term interdisciplinary research, and how can they be overcome?

In presenza

Presentazione orale - Presentazione report scritto - Sviluppo di project work in team

P.D.2-2 - Marzo

Final EXAM 1. Research Question & Framework Justification (25%) (Day 1 Homework) -Students submit a 2-page document outlining: -Their research question and justification -The selected interdisciplinary framework and why it fits -Preliminary ethical considerations Purpose: Ensures students focus on problem framing before developing full proposals. 2. Peer Review & Proposal Refinement (25%) (Day 2 – In Class & Homework) -In-class structured peer review session where students provide feedback on one peer’s proposal. -Students refine their proposals based on feedback and submit a 3-page revised research proposal including: -Revised research question - Updated framework selection - Methodology and ethical considerations Purpose: Encourages constructive critique, strengthens proposal coherence, and reinforces iterative research development. 3. Implementation Strategy Plan (20%) (Day 3 – In Class) Students create a structured 1-page plan for research implementation, outlining: -How their research translates into real-world practice - Which stakeholders are involved - Potential barriers and strategies to overcome them Purpose: Connects programmatic research to practical application, ensuring students consider real-world feasibility. 4. Final Research Program Presentation (30%) (Day 4 – In Class) - 10-minute oral presentation + 5-minute Q&A - Students present their comprehensive interdisciplinary research program, covering: - Research aims, questions, and framework - Evolution of their programmatic research approach - Ethical, methodological, and implementation considerations - Future research directions and next steps Purpose: Develops presentation skills, integrates all learning outcomes, and encourages long-term research vision.