Sociologist shortlisted for the National Centre for Research Methods’ Impact Prize

Published on 3 November 2023

Dr Leon Moosavi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology has recently been shortlisted for an award that recognises and celebrates the impacts of researchers who have collaborated with the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM).

The NCRM Impact Prize is a new initiative which hopes to support researchers in their development, highlight their successes, and demonstrate how NCRM is making a difference to the research community.

Leon has been recognised for a project which began with him organising a highly successful webinar series on Decolonial Research Methods. The webinar series offered advanced theorising, rich dialogue, and relevant training on decolonial research for scholars and students from a range of backgrounds.

Following the success of the series, Leon established a global network, named ‘The Decolonial Critique’, which brings together over 1,800 scholars, students, and activists with an interest in theoretical and applied approaches to coloniality/decoloniality within and beyond the university.

The network offers a supportive and inclusive community which welcomes diverse perspectives on coloniality and decoloniality. Leon Moosavi, as founder and coordinator, organises online and in-person conversations and events to facilitate collaboration, circulate research resources, and share teaching materials in this area.

Leon is also currently guest editing a special issue of the International Journal of Social Research Methodology which further builds on the success of the project so far. This collection of papers is written by eminent experts in the field and is expected to be published in 2024. This special issue has the potential to become a major reference point in the field for many years to come.

Speaking about the nomination, Dr Leon Moosavi, said:

“It’s an honour to be nominated for this award as a lot of hard work has gone into developing this project over the past couple of years. There is a whole community of people who have contributed to the success of the webinars, the network, and the special issue so they also deserve a share of this nomination. I hope that this nomination will provide a greater platform to spread more awareness about the coloniality of contemporary knowledge production within Higher Education today”.

The winners will be announced at the 2023 Research Methods e-Festival on 7 November 2023.