The second annual Summer Institute in Anti-Racist and Decolonizing Research (SIADR) launched in June 2023 on the George Mason University (GMU) Fairfax campus.  In partnership with the Institute leadership team, the evaluation team assessed the implementation of recommendations from SIADR 2022 and the impact of the SIADR on Institute fellows’ knowledge and competencies related to anti-racist and decolonial research. The evaluation team collaboratively designed and engaged in the data collection process for SIADR 2023, including conducting ethnographic observations of the Institute sessions, implementing a survey feedback form, and conducting focus group conversations with the Institute leadership team and the Institute fellows on their experiences with the SIADR. Research findings indicate that the SIADR 2023 was a collaborative and participatory experience that challenged the intellectual and social commitments of Institute participants. The Institute fellows resonated with the knowledge and practical skills offered by the Institute and engaged in participatory workshops by co-creating opportunities to explore and implement discoveries from the Institute in their own individual research. The evaluation team recommends continuing to offer and to expand the SIADR, with attention to the recommendations detailed in the report.

Access the full report here.