The University Research and Innovation Center (UnRIC) of Saint Louis University (SLU), in cooperation with the Flemish Interuniversities Council University Development Co-operation or Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad Universitaire Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (VLIR UOS) Ghent University-SLU Food Upcycling Project, conducted a research methods training to strengthen research competence.
The training session titled “Research Methods: Enhancing Faculty Research Competence” was held on 9 July 2025 at the AVR of the Msgr. Charles Vath Library Building, SLU Main Campus. The event featured esteemed speakers from local and international institutions and was attended by faculty from various academic disciplines at SLU.
Dr. Hans De Steur, a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Ghent University, Belgium, possessing a multi-disciplinary background in sociology, economics, business administration, and agriculture, delivered a compelling talk on research methods and their various types. Using the “candle problem” as a metaphor, he emphasized the importance of selecting the most suitable method to address a research problem—highlighting how method choice directly impacts the quality of a study. He also encouraged participants to adapt to methodological innovations, apply advanced sampling techniques, and critically evaluate their research approaches.
Dr. Gwendolyn Tadeo, the Institutional Studies & Methods Officer of UnRIC, provided an in-depth discussion on the validity and reliability of the research. She explained the different types of validity, noting that the evaluator must be a recognized expert in the subject matter for content validity.
Mr. Simoun Bayudan, currently a doctoral researcher in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Ghent University, Belgium, but with a Filipino nationality, presented research ethics from a Belgian perspective. He tackled various ethical issues, underscored the benefits of ethical review processes, and explored challenges faced when conducting research involving human participants. He also shared insights into how Ghent University upholds research integrity and ethical standards.
The session concluded with an engaging group discussion, where participants reflected on real-world scenarios involving research integrity and ethics, exchanging insights and best practices. The training initiative is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article and Photos by UnRIC)
