Reflecting on the RelEx Winter Workshop – March 10-16, 2025

The Religion and Social Exclusion (RelEx) project recently hosted an intensive workshop that brought together researchers from the project’s national teams in Finland, Ghana, India, Peru, and the Phillippines. The event offered a collaborative space to practice the project’s research methodologies, enhance data collection techniques, and strategize on key aspects of the research process.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in hands-on training on the project’s research instruments, mainly focusing on the Faith Q-Sort (FQS) and qualitative interviews. The FQS and interview practice sessions helped standardize approaches to ensure consistency across the project’s diverse research contexts. The event also facilitated discussions on research ethics, data management, and legal frameworks, reinforcing the project’s commitment to high ethical and methodological standards.

Team Excursion

A highlight of the workshop was the excursion to significant landmarks in Turku, including a visit to the Turku Cathedral and a guided tour of the Turku Castle. This outing not only provided insight into the local cultural and historical landscape but also offered participants an opportunity to engage informally and exchange perspectives in a relaxed setting. The excursion was followed by presentations from researchers from national teams, who shared key findings from their background research, fostering further intellectual exchange and collaboration among workshop participants.

Background Presentations from the National Teams

The workshop also featured presentations from some members of the project’s scientific advisory board, who gave presentations on their research work and provided valuable feedback and insights to strengthen the research. Additionally, the project teams discussed communication strategies and publication plans to ensure that the project’s findings will be effectively disseminated to both academic audiences and the broader public.

RelEx Concluding Dinner

By the end of the workshop, participants gathered for a closing dinner at Kakolanruusu, a well-known restaurant situated in a former prison complex in Turku, now transformed into a residential and cultural landmark. The setting offered a thoughtful space to reflect on the week’s discussions and the broader themes of the project in an informal atmosphere.

During the workshop, participants not only deepened their methodological expertise but also strengthened the collaborative network that underpins the RelEx project. The event served as a crucial step in the project’s research development.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this important work!