Open call for applicants: BIP "Adding context to sustainability initiatives: Survey development, validation, application, and analysis"

Du 16 février 2026 00:00 au 15 mars 2026 00:00

Description 

Survey data is vital to interdisciplinary research on resilience and sustainability. Through surveys, researchers gain insight into human behaviors, perceptions, experiences, and social dynamics that are vital for understanding the context of technically measured objective data. By capturing diverse stakeholder perspectives, survey data will guide researchers in designing inclusive, effective, and context-sensitive solutions to complex sustainability challenges, such as, climate adaptation, resource use, and health equity.

This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) course provides a comprehensive introduction to participants to the fundamentals of survey development, validation, application, and analysis.

BIP Organisation

The BIP will be divided into two phases: development and application.

During the survey development phase, participants will learn how to combine dimensions from multiple questionnaires to design a customized instrument tailored to the key constructs of their study. They will learn how to evaluate potential overlaps between constructs, enabling them to design shorter and more efficient surveys. This section will also cover the translation and cultural adaptation of instruments (self-reported questionnaires). Closely related to survey development, the course will also address survey and instrument validity. Participants will be introduced to clinimetrics, the scientific discipline focused on developing methods for assessing the validity of instruments, and applying these methods to develop, refine, or evaluate existing tools to improve their quality. The evaluation of survey validity will follow the most widely recognized standard for the development and assessment of instruments: the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) initiative.

During the survey application phase, participants will be introduced to different tools (such as SurveyXact, Qualtrics, REDCap, and Google Forms) for data collection and learn best practices for data cleaning, quality checking, and preparation for analysis using basic functions in Excel or similar tools. Finally, participants will be introduced to basic statistical analysis techniques to interpret survey results.

This BIP will combine a virtual phase with a one-week in-person phase hosted at the University of Angers. The course merges theoretical insights with hands-on experience in survey design, data collection, cleaning, and analysis. During the in-person phase, students will work in multinational, transdisciplinary teams to design and pilot their own surveys addressing real-world challenges related to sustainability, health, and well-being.

The course will conclude with group presentations and reflections aimed at consolidating learning, fostering critical thinking, and strengthening international collaboration. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed practical skills to create valid and impactful surveys that contribute to sustainable solutions and evidence-based decision-making in their respective fields.

Learning objectives

• Explain the key principles of survey development and why surveys are essential for gathering reliable data across disciplines
• Identify and describe the main components of a survey, including constructs, items, and instruments, and evaluate potential overlaps between constructs to improve efficiency
• Apply good practices for translation and cultural adaptation
• Understand validation of survey instruments following international standards such as the COSMIN guideline. Also critically appraise the validity and quality of existing surveys or instruments using COSMIN checklist
• Use online tools (e.g., SurveyXact, Qualtrics, REDCap, Google Forms) to design and implement data collection
• Perform basic data cleaning, quality checking, and data preparation for analysis using Excel or similar software
• Conduct and interpret basic statistical analyses relevant to survey data
• Design and pilot a short survey to address a real-world problem related to health, well-being, or sustainability in a multidisciplinary context
• Collaborate effectively in international and cross-disciplinary teams to plan, execute, and present survey-based research
• Reflect on the role of well-designed surveys in promoting evidence-based and sustainable solutions across different fields

Programme details

• Virtual Period – May 11^th – June 19^th
• In-presence Period – June 22^nd - June 26^th
• Language of instruction: English
• ECTS awarded for participation: 6
• Number of participants: 30

Admission requirements

• Assistant researchers, Master students, Doctoral students, lecturers, young researchers of any field of study
• Participants must have a minimum B1 level in English and demonstrate proof of their English level. This certificate can be issued by the applicants’ home university.

How to apply

Applicants should complete the application form linked below by MARCH 15^th 

Application opening soon.

Financial support

Selected students from the University of Angers will NOT be eligible for financial support as they will not be traveling to participate in this programme.

An Erasmus+ Short Mobility Grant may be available for students from partner universities traveling to Angers to participate. This financial support may only be guaranteed by the selected student’s home university. 

If you are selected to participate in this programme, please contact your home university’s international relations office for more information regarding financial support.

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