In June 2025, Rita Kopp participated in the Summer School of the Institute for Qualitative and Multi-Method Research (IQMR) at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. For over 20 years, the two-week program has brought together more than a hundred researchers from around the globe, primarily doctoral students of political science and other related fields, to address issues of qualitative and multi-methods research and further develop their research designs.
As part of the summer school, Kopp attended three modules on field research, ethnographic methods, and mixed methods. She presented her dissertation project titled “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in Canada: A Gender-Based Analysis of the Implementation Discourse and Consequences for Indigenous Women and Girls” during the daily colloquia and took the opportunity to consult with a Maxwell School lecturer on data management issues. In addition to deepening her methodological knowledge, the international composition of the summer school allowed her to examine research designs and methodological challenges from different perspectives, providing valuable insights for further developing her dissertation project.
The academic program included various events, such as a ceremonial opening, a film screening, and political lunches with a regional focus. Along with other events outside the official framework, the program provided ample opportunity for personal and academic exchange and networking. Due to the challenging circumstances in the USA, including those related to the social sciences and current entry restrictions, concerns about political developments and associated challenges were prevalent in many conversations. Nevertheless, the exchange was characterized by optimism, collegiality, and friendliness. The stay had a lasting impact not only on the direction of her doctoral project but also on Rita Kopp’s perspective as a young researcher.