Activist Research: Methods Beyond Academia

We aim to bring together researchers from academia and activism to consider how those in academic institutions can best support activists’ campaigns and actions. The day will focus on migrant rights. With a dialogue between institutional researchers who work with activists and activists who research, a practice-based workshop and a group discussion, this seminar will explore possibilities for the exchange of training, knowledge and expertise, as well as other means of centring activist research and opening up institutional resources to grassroots organisations.

Vegan lunch and snacks will be provided.

11:00 - Arrive

11:05 - Introduction by Practice Matters

11:15 - Panel with speakers

12:10 - Q&A

12:30 - Lunch

13:30 - Workshop

14:30 - Wrap up + snacks

15:00 - End

Leah Cowan (she/they) is a writer and editor. She is the former Politics Editor at gal-dem, an award-winning online magazine and media platform committed to sharing the perspectives of people of colour from marginalised genders. Leah also works at Project 17, an advice centre for migrant families who have No Recourse to Public Funds and are facing homelessness and destitution. Her first book Border Nation: a story of Migration was published by Pluto Press in 2021, and her second title Why Would Feminists Trust the Police? was published in 2024 by Verso.

Brian Dikoff (he/him) is the Legal Officer at Migrants Organise. He is an OISC level 3 immigration and welfare adviser. He founded and coordinates the Migrants Mental Capacity Advocacy (MMCA) project which provides ongoing and holistic support for migrants and asylum seekers who have issues with their mental capacity to engage with the immigration process both in appeal and pre-appeal stage. He leads on the charity's strategic legal and policy work.

Southwark Lambeth Anti-Raids is a non-hierarchical grassroots network (part of the national Anti-Raids network) that counters the Home Office's hostile environment policies by raising legal rights awareness among migrants and by mobilising different forms of collective peaceful direct actions against immigration raids. The workshop will be an introduction to their work, with a simulation of how to intervene during an immigration raid, followed by info on how to get involved with Anti-Raids.

We have five bursaries for Volunteer Activists and Early Career Researchers who need support with transport, childcare, or otherwise to join the event.

This event is part of The Sociological Review Seminar Series and has been funded by The Sociological Review Foundation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Feminist Library, 161 Sumner Road, London, United Kingdom